Asthma is the most common chronic disease among children, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Pediatric asthma remains a serious public health issue in the Philippines, where nearly 1 in 10 children have asthma – a figure that is likely an underestimation, reveals a 2023 study published in The Lancet.
Asthma is a chronic lung disease that affects people of all ages. It is caused by inflammation and muscle tightening around the airways, which makes it harder to breathe. Symptoms include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness. These symptoms can be mild or severe and can come and go over time.
A child’s risk for asthma development begins while he or she is still in the womb, with maternal asthma and allergic rhinitis as important risk factors. Events in early life affect the developing lungs and can increase the risk of asthma. These include low birth weight, prematurity, exposure to tobacco smoke and other sources of air pollution, as well as viral respiratory infections.
Exposure to environmental allergens and irritants is also thought to increase the risk of asthma, including indoor and outdoor air pollution, house dust mites, molds, and occupational exposure to chemicals, fumes or dust. Children who are overweight or obese are at a greater risk of asthma.
Consult your doctor for more information on asthma in children. Shop at Watsons for asthma medications.
References:
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/asthma. Accessed 3 October 2023
https://www.thelancet.com/pdfs/journals/lanwpc/PIIS2666-6065(23)00124-4.pdf. Accessed 3 October 2023
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