Asthma in School Aged Children
Childhood asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that affects millions of children worldwide, and impacts their daily lives, especially during their school years (Culmer et al., 2020). Asthma symptoms, such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, can severely limit a child's ability to participate in physical activities, affect their sleep quality, and lead to increased absenteeism from school. These challenges are worsened when children are exposed to secondhand smoke within their homes.
Secondhand smoke comes from the burning of tobacco products by smokers. It contains over 7,000 chemicals, many of which are toxic and can trigger asthma symptoms and even lead to the development of asthma in children who previously did not have the condition. The particles in secondhand smoke are extremely small, making them easy to inhale and penetrate deep into the lungs, where they can cause inflammation and exacerbate asthma symptoms (Le et al., 2024).
The evidence linking secondhand smoke exposure to worsened asthma outcomes in children shows that children with asthma who are exposed to secondhand smoke often experience more frequent and severe asthma attacks, require more medication, and are more likely to visit emergency departments for their asthma symptoms (Le et al., 2024). This is what affects the child's health and well-being and puts burden on healthcare systems due to the increased need for medical interventions and hospitalizations.
Recent research has shed light on the extent of this problem and shown a clear association between secondhand smoke exposure and the aggravation of asthma symptoms in children (Culmer et al., 2020). These studies call for targeted interventions to reduce children's exposure to secondhand smoke in the home environment....
Such interventions could include public health campaigns to raise awareness about the risks of secondhand smoke, smoking cessation programs for
parents and
caregivers, and policies aimed at creating smoke-free homes and environments (Culmer et al., 2020). For example, the study by Han et al....
…effects of secondhand smoke on asthma control, leading to increased symptoms, exacerbations, and a consequent rise in healthcare needs. The discontinuation of specific asthma medications, such as Flovent, further complicates the landscape of asthma management, although the availability of generic alternatives offers some relief. School-based asthma education programs emerge as a crucial strategy in addressing this public health issue, providing children, parents, and school personnel with the knowledge and tools necessary for effective asthma management. These programs, alongside the pivotal role of
healthcare providers, especially APRNs in urgent care settings, in educating and supporting families, can significantly contribute to improved asthma outcomes. Mitigating the impact of secondhand smoke through public health interventions, ensuring access to effective asthma treatments, and implementing comprehensive asthma education are essential steps towards safeguarding the health and well-being of children with asthma. If we can adopt an approach that encompasses healthcare, education, and
community involvement, we can make strides in reducing asthma-related morbidity among school-aged children and…
