If your child has asthma, their airways are very sensitive to the effects of inflammation. As a result, too much mucus is produced and the airways swell more than they should. Also, as a response to the inflammation, the muscles surrounding the airways begin to contract, making the airways narrower and narrower.
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It is important that, where possible, you identify the triggers of your child’s asthma, by making a note of worsening symptoms, or using their peak flow meter during exposures to certain situations. Some triggers, such as air pollution, viral illness, or certain weather conditions, can be hard to avoid. However, many other triggers, such as dust mites, fungus spores, or pet fur, can sometimes be avoided.
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In some cases, your doctor may need to confirm whooping cough by testing for the Bordetella pertussis bacterium. This will be done by taking a sample of mucus from the back of the throat. However, as the cough often continues for several weeks after Bordetella pertussis has gone, it may not always be possible to get a sample of the bacterium. In this case, you or your child may need to have a blood test to check for antibodies to Bordetella pertussis. Continue reading