Asthma page 3

Possible inhalant allergens associated with asthma are therefore, housedust and housedust mites found in carpets and bedding, horsehair mattresses and sofas (not so many around now), horses, dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters etc. Do not be in too much of a hurry to get rid of your pet - there are so many other possibilities. Other causes of asthma are fumes from gas and oil, wood fires, cigarette smoke, factory and traffic fumes, paint, creosote, wood preservatives, air fresheners, aerosol sprays, foam cavity wall insulation, synthetic fabrics, solvents, varnishes, soft plastics, household cleaners, detergents, disinfectants, washing up liquid, perfumed soaps and toiletries, indoor plants, garden chemicals and environmental pollution of all kinds.

Amongst the most common suspect foods are milk, cheese, eggs, wheat, corn, yeast, fish, citrus fruits, chocolate, peas, beans, beef, onions, tomatoes (other foods which are known to cause asthma but which you are unlikely to be giving your youngster are pork, spices, nuts and peanuts). Fruit squashes can cause asthma because they contain preservatives, which are highly suspect especially the benzoates and the sulphites, including sulphur dioxide (found also in dried fruits). Other artificial additives implicated in asthma include monosodium glutamate (MSG) which, again, I do not recommend for any young child. Regard drugs with caution and discuss with your doctor whether your child should avoid those containing artificial colourings.

Many factors play a part in childhood asthma - season, climate, temperature, exercise, infection, food and inhalant allergens, environmental pollution and the child's emotional state at any given time.

In a child with underlying asthma, an emotional upset can be the final trigger which sets off an attack. Stress is never the only cause. There has to be a predisposition this way and a hypersensitive child who is already coping with underlying allergies will be more sensitive, more irritable and more easily distressed than a child who does not have to contend with this burden. A good doctor will take all this into account when advising on managing a child with asthma. It is as much good managing as careful prescribing. There is a wide range of medications available and if you feel something different might suit your child better, do not hesitate to discuss this with your doctor.

Many asthmatics hyperventilate - perhaps all do. Teaching your child to breathe properly goes a long way to keeping his asthma in check. Perhaps a physiotherapist or yoga expert could help there.

Asthma is a frightening experience for both mother and child. I speak from personal experience of both. A child's need for his mother at this time is very great and if she can remain calm - at least outwardly - this will calm him and quieten his breathing which all helps to get his asthma under control.

Try to balance your child's lifestyle. Let him work within his own limits. He is the best guide as to what and how much he can achieve. Never think your child is 'putting on' an asthma attack. It is not worth the risk.

© Food & Chemical Allergy Association