The exact cause of asthma is not known, but there is a genetic link. Asthma tends to run in families from one generation to the next. Lifestyle and environmental factors are also believed to cause asthma, as researchers have discovered a significant rise in asthma in children over the past 20 years.

Sign of an asthma attack

During an asthma attack, sufferers often make wheezing sounds when exhaling and have a cough that worsens at night, after exercise, of after exposure to an allergen. In severe cases, breathing becomes very rapid, the heart rate increase and the children may vomit. When your asthma symptoms become worse than usual, it's called an asthma attack. In a severe asthma attack, the airways can close so much that your vital organs do not get enough oxygen. People can die from severe asthma attacks.

Diagnosing and managing asthma

If your child wheezes or complains of trouble breathing, then a visit to the doctor is in order. Your doctor will check lung function and may administer a dose of asthma medication to see if the child responds favorably (a rapid improvement after receiving the medication is a good indicator that the child has asthma).

No special diets are generally indicated. Food allergy as a trigger for asthma is uncommon. Avoidance of foods is recommended after a double-blind food challenge that yields positive results. Sulfites have been implicated in some severe asthma exacerbations and should be avoided in sensitive individuals.

Though asthma is a chronic, lifelong condition with no cure, it can be mange effectively through medication and other measures. Daily "controller" medication using an inhaler helps reduce the frequency of attack, while a separate "rescue" medication is used at the onset of attack. Limiting exposure to allergens is another effective means to control asthma and help your child breathe easier.