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The lungs normally occupy both sides of the thoracic cavity and serve to deliver oxygenated blood to the tissues and organs of the body and also to remove gaseous waste, for example carbon dioxide. Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disorder, which is characterized by a combination of airway hypersensitivity, muscle spasm and inflammation. All these factors contribute to the narrowing of the airways, in particular the small airways, which significantly impairs gaseous exchange.

This disease is a very common condition and results in significant numbers of hospital visits and hospitalizations. Rapid administration of medications to relieve the airway obstruction is vital to alleviate distress and in some cases save lives. Unlike adults and older children who are asthmatic, infants are unable to verbally communicate their distress and therefore forewarn of impending danger. It is therefore vital that parents and those who live with asthmatics are aware of the symptoms of this very disabling condition.

Important symptoms and signs of asthma include the following;

1. Recurrent respiratory infections like bronchiolitis or pneumonia. This is a common presentation for young asthmatics and may even predate the actual diagnosis of asthma. The resulting increase in mucous will compromise the patency of the airways, particularly small airways.

2. Wheezing - This is a musical sound due to airway turbulence. It is prominent during expiration when the thoracic (chest) muscles attempt to force air out of the lungs through narrowed airways. Because this process of expiration is not as complete as it should be, there is therefore also compromised inspiration and diminished gaseous exchange.

3. Recurrent coughing - This often occurs at nights.

4. Signs of respiratory distress. The infant will be breathing rapidly (remember the normal rate is up to 60/min), with visible retraction of the chest wall for example in the intercostal spaces (spaces between the ribs) and above the clavicle. The nose may also be flaring.

5. Respiratory arrest. This is when the infant stops breathing. The infant will therefore be unresponsive and also become cyanotic (blue discoloration), due to the lack of oxygenation of the blood. This is a dire emergency and requires quick medical assistance and resuscitation.

It is important to remember that the infant will not be able to tell you about chest pain or tightness. As the parent or care-giver you must therefore keenly watch for these other features, outlined above.

Yours in Health

Learn more about this author, Roy Jacobs.
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