Managing Asthma and Eczema in Young Children: Effective Strategies

Please ask your question?

Hello, Dr.
Hsiao.
My little boy is almost five years old and has atopic dermatitis.
Since he was nearly four, he has had severe coughing whenever he catches a cold, which can last all day.
Sometimes he needs to take antibiotics to recover.
After visiting a medical center for a year, the doctor diagnosed him with mild asthma.
He has been taking montelukast and using a bronchodilator for maintenance for a year, but the control is not very good.
Recently, with the change in weather, he has started to have intermittent coughing symptoms again.
I would like to ask the doctor what methods can help control my child's symptoms.
Does swimming improve a child's cardiopulmonary function? Can asthma also be better controlled this way? Thank you for your assistance.

Niming, 0~9 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/10/18

Dr. Xiao Kaiwen reply Pediatrics

For children with allergic bronchitis, swimming is indeed the best form of exercise, as it has a moderate breathing rate and the humidity of the inhaled air does not irritate the airways.
The management of allergic asthma is a significant challenge and will not be elaborated on here, but it certainly requires considerable effort from parents.
I can only say that there is a chance for children with allergic asthma to improve their condition over time, as long as there is patient and diligent management.
It is also important to work patiently with a pediatric allergist, as this collaboration increases the likelihood of improvement.

Reply Date: 2016/10/18

More Info

Managing asthma and eczema in young children can be quite challenging, especially when both conditions coexist, as is often the case with atopic dermatitis (eczema) and asthma. Your concerns about your five-year-old son, who has been diagnosed with atopic dermatitis and mild asthma, are very valid. Here are some effective strategies to help manage these conditions and improve your child's quality of life.

Understanding the Conditions
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that often coexists with asthma and allergic rhinitis. Children with eczema are at a higher risk of developing asthma, and vice versa. The skin barrier dysfunction in eczema can lead to increased exposure to allergens, which may trigger asthma symptoms.

Effective Management Strategies
1. Environmental Control:
- Allergen Avoidance: Identify and minimize exposure to allergens that may trigger asthma or eczema flare-ups. Common triggers include dust mites, pet dander, pollen, and mold. Regular cleaning, using air purifiers, and keeping windows closed during high pollen seasons can help.

- Humidity Control: Maintaining a comfortable humidity level in your home can help. Too much humidity can promote mold growth, while too little can dry out the skin and exacerbate eczema.

2. Skin Care Routine:
- Moisturization: Regularly apply emollients or moisturizers to your child's skin, ideally immediately after bathing, to help restore the skin barrier and prevent dryness. Look for products that are fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive skin.

- Bathing Practices: Short, lukewarm baths with gentle, non-irritating cleansers can help. Avoid hot water, as it can dry out the skin further.

3. Medication Management:
- Topical Corticosteroids: For eczema flare-ups, topical corticosteroids can be effective. Use them as prescribed by your physician, and be cautious about long-term use to avoid skin thinning.

- Asthma Medications: Continue using the prescribed asthma medications, such as inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators. Ensure that your child uses the inhaler correctly, and consider a spacer device if necessary to improve medication delivery.

4. Monitoring Symptoms:
- Keep a symptom diary to track your child's asthma and eczema symptoms, noting any triggers or patterns. This can help you and your healthcare provider make informed decisions about management.

5. Regular Follow-ups:
- Schedule regular check-ups with your pediatrician or a specialist in pediatric asthma and allergy. They can help adjust medications as needed and provide additional strategies tailored to your child's specific needs.

6. Physical Activity:
- Swimming: Swimming can be beneficial for children with asthma as it promotes cardiovascular fitness and lung function. The warm, humid environment of indoor pools can also be soothing for children with eczema. However, ensure that your child is not allergic to chlorine, which can sometimes irritate the skin and lungs.

7. Education and Support:
- Educate yourself and your child about asthma and eczema. Understanding these conditions can empower both of you to manage symptoms effectively. Support groups or educational resources can also provide valuable information and encouragement.

Conclusion
Managing asthma and eczema in young children requires a comprehensive approach that includes environmental control, proper skin care, medication management, and regular follow-ups with healthcare providers. Swimming can be a beneficial activity, promoting overall health and potentially improving asthma control. Always consult with your child's healthcare provider before making any significant changes to their management plan. By working together, you can help your child lead a healthier, more comfortable life despite these chronic conditions.

Similar Q&A

Effective Strategies to Manage Children's Skin Issues and Allergies

I have allergic rhinitis, and my husband has very dry skin that even peels in the summer. As a result, our child has had rough skin since birth and often develops small eczema patches. When he was four months old, he had severe heat rash all over his body. At that time, the docto...

Dr. Ma Yiqun reply Pediatrics
1. Can allergen testing help prevent allergic reactions? Allergen testing can identify which substances a child is allergic to, allowing for the avoidance of those specific allergens and thereby reducing the occurrence of allergic reactions. 2. Will using ointments continuously ...

Managing Nasal Allergies in Infants: Tips for Parents

Dr. He: Hello, my child is almost 8 months old. During the winter, with temperature changes, he tends to sneeze, and in severe cases, he has a runny nose and nasal congestion. I would like to ask Dr. He the following questions: 1. Besides home cleaning to remove dust and allergen...

Dr. He Ciyuan reply Pediatrics
1. It is important to maintain a balanced diet, engage in moderate exercise, and ensure adequate rest to support immune function. It is recommended to undergo blood tests to identify allergens to avoid them. Additionally, pay attention to weather changes, especially in cold and w...

Managing Allergies and Attention Issues in Pediatric Patients

Hello Dr. Hong, I have a young child at home who has had an allergic constitution since birth. Every time we have a blood test, the total concentration of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is greater than 2000 KU/I. For the past two years, there has been no improvement. Last year, we took ...

Dr. Hong Shuokun reply Pediatrics
Hello Ah-Hui: Indeed, his allergy index for Immunoglobulin E is very high. Generally, desensitization therapy is suitable for allergic patients for whom medications are not very effective. Therefore, while undergoing desensitization therapy, it is also important to use medication...

Managing Allergies in Children: Long-Term Treatment and Considerations

Dear Director Zhao Yongkang, My child (born in 1997) has been diagnosed by a doctor with allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis, indicating an allergic constitution. The doctor has suggested a long-term medication treatment (approximately six months). I would like to ask a few ...

Dr. Zhao Yongkang reply Pediatrics
Dear Ms. Bonnie, 1. Generally speaking, for children with allergic predispositions, the earlier a diagnosis is confirmed and treatment begins, the greater the likelihood of recovery. Of course, the long-term use of inhaled medications can improve a child's allergic conditio...