Childhood Asthma
CHILDHOOD ASTHMA
Children and Asthma
Abstract
This paper will discuss the impact asthma has on a child and their family. It will place emphasis on the strains asthma places on the child and their parents. The physiological aspect of asthma as well as its triggers will be reviewed, along with its prevalence in today’s society. I will examine how the five developmental domains of child and adolescent development pertain to asthma. Asthma will also be applied to two family theories; the Family Systems Theory and the Family Stress and Coping Theory. I will write about the physiology of asthma, prevalence, developmental domains and theories.
The American Lung Association (2003) defines asthma as an inflammatory condition of the bronchial airways. This inflammation causes the normal function of the airways to become excessive and over-reactive, thus producing increased mucus, mucosal swelling, and muscle constriction. These changes produce airway obstruction, chest tightness, cough, and wheezing.
Causes or Triggers of Asthma A child can become susceptible to asthma when allergens, respiratory infections, occupational and environmental exposures, and many unknown factors or environmental stimuli cause persistent airway inflammation, bronchial hyperactivity, and airflow obstruction (Scanlan, Wilkins, Stoller, 1999). Triggers of asthma can vary depending on the child’s physiological make-up. Triggers can range anywhere from pets, dust mites, molds, trees, and pollen to pulmonary irritants such as perfumes, tobacco and cigarette smoke, and paint fumes. Asthma can also be triggered by exercise, cold temperatures, air pollution, infections, uncontrolled emotions, and stress (Kurnat & Moore, 1999).
Classification of Asthma Asthma can be divided into three different categories based on the severity of airway obstruction. According to the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (1995), asthma is listed as mild, moderate, or severe. Mild asthma occurs less
Children and Asthma
Abstract
This paper will discuss the impact asthma has on a child and their family. It will place emphasis on the strains asthma places on the child and their parents. The physiological aspect of asthma as well as its triggers will be reviewed, along with its prevalence in today’s society. I will examine how the five developmental domains of child and adolescent development pertain to asthma. Asthma will also be applied to two family theories; the Family Systems Theory and the Family Stress and Coping Theory. I will write about the physiology of asthma, prevalence, developmental domains and theories.
The American Lung Association (2003) defines asthma as an inflammatory condition of the bronchial airways. This inflammation causes the normal function of the airways to become excessive and over-reactive, thus producing increased mucus, mucosal swelling, and muscle constriction. These changes produce airway obstruction, chest tightness, cough, and wheezing.
Causes or Triggers of Asthma A child can become susceptible to asthma when allergens, respiratory infections, occupational and environmental exposures, and many unknown factors or environmental stimuli cause persistent airway inflammation, bronchial hyperactivity, and airflow obstruction (Scanlan, Wilkins, Stoller, 1999). Triggers of asthma can vary depending on the child’s physiological make-up. Triggers can range anywhere from pets, dust mites, molds, trees, and pollen to pulmonary irritants such as perfumes, tobacco and cigarette smoke, and paint fumes. Asthma can also be triggered by exercise, cold temperatures, air pollution, infections, uncontrolled emotions, and stress (Kurnat & Moore, 1999).
Classification of Asthma Asthma can be divided into three different categories based on the severity of airway obstruction. According to the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (1995), asthma is listed as mild, moderate, or severe. Mild asthma occurs less
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