Asthma In Infants: Signs, Causes, Diagnosis, And Treatments

Asthma is one of the most chronic lung disorders that can negatively affect people of all ages. This condition develops when the muscles around the airways tighten and get inflamed, which can lead to severe issues with breathing. Infants can also become affected by asthma which can cause serious symptoms which need to be treated immediately by a reputed lung specialist in Siliguri. 

You must know that not all asthma-related symptoms are caused due to asthma as it can also be associated with common flu and bronchial tube infections. With proper treatment, the doctor can open up the airways of the babies and alleviate the distressing symptoms of asthma successfully. 

Here are some of the warning signs, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options for managing asthma among infants. 

Symptoms 

The warning signs of asthma among infants are often triggered by a sudden respiratory infection. While your baby is suffering from an infection, you must look for any laboured breath as it is one of the main symptoms of asthma. The other signs that may indicate childhood asthma include frequent coughing, heavy breathing, difficulty eating, and wheezing. 

In some cases, the fingernails of the baby can also turn blue along with a pale shade on the lips and face. These respiratory symptoms can also be caused due to acid reflux, pneumonia, bronchitis, and croup. This is why a detailed diagnosis is essential before starting asthma treatment. 

Causes 

To determine the main cause behind asthma in your baby, it is always advisable to book an appointment with the top pulmonologist in Siliguri. In most cases, the baby may get asthma due to family history. If one of the parents has a history of allergies and asthma then the likelihood of developing asthma by the baby is higher. 

Apart from family history, one may also develop asthma symptoms due to a respiratory illness. Viral infections can be considered the most common cause behind asthma episodes among 6-month-old or younger infants. The other probable causes may include sudden weather changes, exposure to pollutants, and allergies. 

Diagnosis 

Asthma is usually detected with a lung function test but this test cannot be done among babies as they cannot follow the directions of inhalation and exhalation. This is why doctors don’t perform any typical diagnostic tests on babies for asthma. If the baby experiences symptoms of asthma then the doctor will initially diagnose for reactive airway disease. 

Herein, even after diagnosis the symptoms persist then it is confirmed as asthma. Additionally, the doctor may also run some allergy tests, and imaging tests for the lungs, and recommend medications to open the blocked airways to confirm the disorder. You must know that even after diagnosis and treatment, certain symptoms of asthma are long-term. 

Treatments 

Doctors may recommend nebulizers and inhalers to babies who are experiencing severe wheezing and breathing issues due to asthma. Certain dosages of medications are advised by the doctors which are then given to the babies through inhalers to make it easier to breathe. 

The airways can be opened and inflammation can be reduced by prescribing long-acting medications for asthma. A personalized treatment approach is often curated by the doctor to manage the specific symptoms experienced by the babies. 

Apart from medications, lung specialist in Siliguri may also advise you to follow certain lifestyle modifications to reduce the chances of asthma attacks in the baby. Some such measures include removing dust, reducing exposure to allergens, using air purifiers, and preventing cigarette smoking indoors. The doctor may also make some changes in the diet plan of the baby to manage the symptoms.