Childhood Asthma: Lived Experiences and Research Findings

Introduction

A chronic disease — especially one that a child suffers from — inevitably affects his or her physical, spiritual, psychological, and social life. Research has observed that children influence the facilities and services provided to them in significant ways. A Convention on the Rights of the Child stated that children should not only have the right but should also be encouraged to participate and freely give their opinions and reviews on all matters concerning them (Elward, Graham Douglas, & Kurtis, 2010).

Lived Experiences of Children with Asthma

One study observed that when providing information to others, it is essential to ensure that the information is compatible with the age and mental maturity of the intended audience. Therefore, when arranging learning programs for children, educators and caregivers must consider the child's age, life experiences, and linguistic background to ensure that the information is conveyed effectively (Elward, Graham Douglas, & Kurtis, 2010).

Focusing on the behaviour of children who suffer from asthma, one study observed that these children demonstrate signs of guilt, fear, and uncertainty, and often feel like outsiders in their daily activities. Multiple other studies confirm that children with asthma display significantly more behavioural and emotional problems compared to healthy children (Arshad, 2010).

Research into the daily life activities of children with asthma found that girls restrict their physical activities considerably more than boys. It was also noted that, compared to healthcare professionals (HCPs), asthma control in children is poor. While HCPs tend to focus on the physical symptoms of the disease, children pay more attention to the activity limitations imposed by asthma (Bornehag & Nanberg, 2010).

Research consistently identifies asthma as not only the most common long-term medical condition among children, but also a growing global health concern. Studies indicate that the rate of asthma occurrence is increasing, and atopic diseases have become a significant contributor to morbidity in children worldwide (Halapi & Bjornsdottir, 2009).

Prevalence and Epidemiology

A study conducted on 10-year-old Scandinavian children found that the current asthma prevalence was 11.1%, lifetime asthma prevalence was 20.2%, and the physician-diagnosis rate was 16.1% — the highest ever reported in Scandinavia. The same study noted that boys are more frequently affected by asthma than girls (Halapi & Bjornsdottir, 2009).

A separate Nordic study of children aged 2 to 17 years found that eczema, asthma, and allergies are among the most commonly reported long-term illnesses. Many children and their families are affected by asthma in either a direct or indirect manner (Arshad, 2010).

According to research, asthma has made it difficult for 34 million Americans to breathe properly. Of these, five million are children under the age of 18. If asthma is diagnosed in childhood, symptoms may diminish during the teenage years. Approximately 5,500 deaths in the United States are attributed to asthma each year. Both males and females can develop asthma at any stage of life, and no definitive link has been established between social class, age, or ethnicity and asthma occurrence. However, higher rates of asthma have been observed in lower-income neighbourhoods with cold climates (Bornehag & Nanberg, 2010).

Physiology of Asthma and Attack Mechanisms

Studies show that asthma increased approximately 60% between 1982 and 1994, with children more affected than adults. Deaths from asthma rose by approximately 50% between 1979 and 1992. Some scientists attribute this increase to rising pollution levels, poorly ventilated housing, and secondhand smoke exposure (Bornehag & Nanberg, 2010).

Oxygen is essential for the human body to function properly. The lungs supply oxygen to the rest of the body: when we breathe, air enters the lungs and oxygen passes into the bloodstream, which then carries it throughout the body. Air travels through the larynx into the trachea, which divides into two branches called the left and right bronchi. These bronchi connect directly to the lungs. From the bronchi, air reaches the lungs and passes through small clusters of air sacs called alveoli. Tiny blood vessels surround the alveoli, and it is here that gas exchange occurs: oxygen diffuses from the walls of the alveoli into the blood vessels and is transported throughout the body, while carbon dioxide diffuses from the blood vessels into the alveoli and is exhaled (Bornehag & Nanberg, 2010).

If something prevents the alveoli from receiving sufficient oxygen, body cells become oxygen-deprived and carbon dioxide begins to accumulate. An asthma attack occurs when the bronchi and bronchioles become inflamed or irritated. As a result of this inflammation, the airway narrows and insufficient air reaches the lungs. People experiencing an asthma attack often develop a dry cough or feel pressure on the chest. As the attack worsens, breathing becomes increasingly difficult and stringy mucus may develop. Because the inflamed airway cannot deliver sufficient oxygen to the alveoli, the body may begin consuming oxygen at an accelerated rate (Bornehag & Nanberg, 2010).

The frequency of asthma attacks varies considerably from person to person. Some individuals experience attacks monthly, while others may have them daily (Elward, Graham Douglas, & Kurtis, 2010).

Conclusion

Asthma can develop at any stage of life, regardless of a person's background, country of origin, or age. Wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing are the hallmark signs of asthma, occurring when a foreign body or allergen enters the airway and causes swelling and mucus secretion that makes breathing difficult. Although no cure currently exists for asthma, the disease can be effectively treated and controlled through appropriate medication and care. A preventive, well-managed approach allows people with asthma to lead healthier lives and engage more fully in everyday activities — much like individuals without the condition (Arshad, 2010).