Cold Weather Triggers Asthma in Children

Prof. Dr. Feyzullah Çetinkaya, Pediatric Allergist at Acıbadem International Hospital, emphasizes that physician, parent and child cooperation and regular follow-ups play a major role in controlling asthma in children. He states: "With proper treatment, children can participate in social activities like their peers and continue their school life without problems. The most important thing parents should pay attention to is not to stop medications immediately when the child improves slightly, thinking they are 'cured.' Otherwise, the disease can progress and leave permanent damage."

Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases in children worldwide and in our country. Millions of children are diagnosed with asthma every year globally. In our country, it is reported that 1 in every 7 school-age children has asthma.

During winter months, cold weather, viral infections such as flu, air pollution, and allergens like animal dander, dust and mold in enclosed spaces trigger asthma. For this reason, when asthma, which is more common in school-age children during winter months, is not treated or controlled, it can restrict the child's physical activities and negatively affect school performance. Additionally, in cases requiring continuous treatment, it can lead to psychological problems.

Asthma symptoms, which are an important cause of school absences and hospitalizations in children, can disappear with treatment. However, this is not applicable to all children; if the disease is not controlled, it can persist throughout life.

4 important warning signs of asthma in children!

Asthma is a respiratory disease that develops as a result of chronic superficial inflammation of the airways, causing narrowing and excessive sensitivity. Prof. Dr. Feyzullah Çetinkaya summarizes the symptoms that develop when the respiratory tract is irritated by various causes such as infection as follows:

• Persistent cough
• Frequent breathing or difficulty breathing
• Wheezing
• Difficulty breathing during exertion (especially while running or exercising) or wheezing

Follow these rules to prevent attacks!
Asthma in children occurs due to factors such as atopy (innate predisposition), heavy exposure to allergens (house dust mites, pollen, mold), smoking in the home, air pollution and frequent respiratory tract infections. Prof. Dr. Feyzullah Çetinkaya states that regular use of the child's medications, staying away from cigarette smoke, avoiding environments with dust and animal dander in school settings and buses, and avoiding odors are of great importance in preventing asthma attacks.

Make sure to inform the school administration!
Even children with mild asthma can sometimes experience very severe asthma attacks. Pediatric Allergist Prof. Dr. Feyzullah Çetinkaya points out that teachers and school administration must be informed, stating: "In this way, the school administration will be prepared to provide emergency intervention if needed for the child's health condition and will take appropriate action. Additionally, the child can be protected from triggering environments. Besides these, special arrangements can be made for the child, such as organizing activities in physical education classes."

Age-appropriate education is essential!
Pediatric Allergist Prof. Dr. Feyzullah Çetinkaya emphasizes that providing information to the child about asthma disease and medications in an age-appropriate manner is extremely important to prevent asthma-related problems that may occur at school, stating: "The child must be told what to do if they have an asthma attack and how to use medications correctly. This information increases their confidence and prevents panic in emergency situations."

Never stop medication thinking "my child is cured"!
In the treatment of asthma developing in school-age children, taking general preventive measures, including annual flu vaccination, is of great importance.

Pediatric Allergist Prof. Dr. Feyzullah Çetinkaya emphasizes that treatment is planned based on factors such as the child's age and disease progression, stating: "Medications that 'control' the disease are used to manage asthma in the long term. Additionally, fast-acting medications are given to relieve symptoms during attacks.

To obtain effective results from treatment, medications must be used correctly and on time, the child must be educated about their disease, they must undergo regular medical check-ups and avoid triggering factors. Following the doctor's recommendations is very important. For example, when the child improves slightly, parents should never stop medications thinking 'my child is cured.' Otherwise, the disease can progress and leave permanent damage."