Parents beware: Common April-May symptom in kids isn’t always a cold; hidden danger behind your child’s seasonal cough

A large number of children tend to struggle with childhood asthma, wherein the airways become inflamed and narrow, making breathing difficult during April. However, the known triggers are dust, heat and allergens, while early symptoms are often mistaken for a simple seasonal cough. Read on as we shed light on the triggers, symptoms and management tips in children.

Come April-May and the changing weather, rising temperatures and increased dust levels trigger respiratory problems in children. So, many parents tend to neglect the early signs of childhood asthma by dismissing it as a routine seasonal cough, delaying diagnosis and treatment.

Allergic asthma attacks in children: What parents should know

In an interview with the Times of India, Dr Jagdish Kathwate, Consultant Neonatologist and Paediatrician at Motherhood Hospital in Kharadi, Pune, shared, "Asthma in children causes swelling and narrowing of the airways, making it challenging to breathe. If detected early, it can be effectively managed; failure to report the symptoms to the doctor can cause discomfort in children."

A comparative analysis of persistent paediatric asthma with pulmonary function tests in International Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics revealed, "This cross-sectional study was conducted... from April 2021 to August 2022... Mean FEV₁ values declined significantly from 86.2±10.4% in mild to 78.5±11.3% in moderate and 67.8±12.5% in severe asthma (p<0.001)." It supports airway narrowing and inflammation severity in children, emphasising early spirometry for diagnosis beyond cough.

Parents, don’t overlook signs and symptoms such as constant coughing, especially when it appears mild or seasonal. Dr Kathwate cautioned that what seems like a simple cough could actually be an early indicator of asthma.

He warned, "Children may experience frequent coughing at night, wheezing (a whistling sound while breathing), shortness of breath, chest tightness or fatigue during play. So, even though these signs can mimic an allergic cough, they can also indicate asthma. The common cold will settle in for a day or two. However, parents, remember that if the child has a constant cough for over a week, then it is necessary to seek help from an expert."

The expert insisted upon not dismissing the cough by linking it to common cold, weather change or dust allergy as it lead to a pattern of late diagnosis.

According to Dr Kathwate, April triggers include -

• Increased dust and pollution due to dry weather
• Rising temperatures are causing airway irritation
• Pollen and seasonal allergens in the air
• Sudden temperature changes between day and night
• Exposure to indoor triggers like dust mites and poor ventilation

A blog review in the journal Patient Care Now Urgent Care found, "Recent data show that factors like wildfire smoke and pollen significantly reduce asthma control scores in children... Common indoor allergens include dust mites, pet dander and mould. Outdoor allergens such as pollen from trees, grasses and weeds." It confirms dust, pollen and pollution as triggers worsening symptoms misattributed to cough.

Asthma management in April-May

This April-May, it will be imperative for parents to protect their child’s lungs by following the vital tips by experts. The child who is detected with asthma will be recommended to use inhalers that help open up the airways and reduce inflammation.

Talking about why diagnosis of childhood asthma still depends on taking the right history, a clinical review in LinkedIn Pulse established, "Respiratory symptoms are common in childhood, particularly cough associated with viral illness. This contributes to diagnostic uncertainty and, at times, diagnostic inertia." It highlights how seasonal coughs are dismissed, delaying asthma diagnosis.

Dr Jagdish Kathwate suggested, "Parents should ensure a clean and dust-free home. Ensuring good ventilation can help reduce flare-ups and save the child's lungs. Parents, it is necessary to encourage children to stay hydrated, follow a balanced diet, and avoid exposure to smoke, dust, or strong pollutants. Regular follow-ups with a doctor and adhering to the treatment will be beneficial for children."

Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new medication or treatment and before changing your diet or supplement regimen.