In a mild asthma attack, the child will wheeze and there may be coughing and some breathlessness. In a severe attack, however, the child may be prevented from breathing at all. This can be a terrifying experience both for the child and for anyone who is witnessing it and requires immediate emergency treatment.
Asthma is linked to other atopic (allergic) conditions such as eczema, hay fever, and food allergies such as peanut allergy. It may be worse when there is air pollution, when the weather is very hot or very cold, and when the pollen count is high.
Among the many triggers for asthma are chemicals in the environment, house dust mites, animal dander, passive smoking, moulds and food allergies. Stress can also be a trigger, and relaxation can help in dealing with an asthma attack.
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