Millions of young children are being affected by asthma today. Asthma is a chronic health disorder that affects the airways of the lungs. This causes problem in carrying air in and out of lungs.
When a person is affected with asthma, the interiors of airways swell and become sore. Asthma is more serious in children than in adults, as they have smaller airways. Children suffering from asthma, may develop tightness in chest and experience trouble in breathing.
Coughing and wheezing may also be experienced. This serious disease can be caused due to various factors such as allergens like pollen, animals or mold; irritants such as pollution, secondhand smoke; changing weather conditions; exercise strain; common cold or flu infections.
Other risk factors include family history, low birth weight, having allergies or respiratory problems. Medicines are available to treat the symptoms of asthma. If proper treatment is not provided, it can become life-threatening for children.
This infographic provides facts and statistics about asthma in children and the US cities where it is too high.