Asthma is an obstructive lung disease, causing inflammation in the bronchial tubes and inhibiting normal lung function. Asthma can affect persons of any age, including babies. The younger the asthmatic, the more difficult it is to diagnosis asthma. However, early detection and proper treatment are key to successfully controlling this potentially dangerous respiratory condition.
Dangers
If severe asthma is left untreated, or if asthmatic conditions are not controlled, the result can be fatal.
Symptoms
Asthma symptoms in babies are atypical and will depend upon the age of the baby. They include inexplicable irritability, coughing (especially at night), difficulty eating and/or sounds of discomfort while nursing.
Considerations
Asthmatic conditions in babies are often overlooked as the symptoms are subtle or even undetectable. Even if the symptoms are obvious, they can vary from baby to baby.
Time Frame
Babies who suffer from asthma will generally continue to do so into childhood and even adulthood. Asthma is an incurable lifelong condition, though it can be controlled.
Effects
Because their lungs have not fully matured, asthmatic babies are highly susceptible to respiratory complications.
Testing
Pediatricians typically use peak flow meters or pulmonary function tests to diagnose asthma in older babies (young toddlers). Infant diagnoses, however, are based upon family history and respiratory patterns.
Warning
It is often the case that coughing is the only asthmatic sign or symptom detectable in babies.
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