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How do lungs work?
When your child breathes, he or she takes air in through the nose and mouth. The
air passes through the throat and trachea (windpipe) and goes into the lungs.
The lungs are made up of small tubes called bronchial tubes that branch out
like a tree. The lining of the bronchial tubes produces a sticky substance
called mucus that works with other parts of the lungs to get rid of particles
that are breathed in. At the end of each tube, there are tiny sacs called
alveoli that exchange air (oxygen and carbon dioxide).Click on the image for a deeper explanation of how
healthy lungs work.
What happens with asthmatic lungs?
The lungs of an asthmatic child always have at least some inflammation. During
an asthma attack, this inflammation gets worse because the lining of his or her
airway swells and is clogged with mucus. At the same time, the muscles around
the airway constrict, growing tighter. When this happens, the breathing passage
narrows, which makes it harder to breathe and creates a variety of asthma
symptoms. Click on the image for an explanation of what happens during an
asthma attack.
Common asthma symptoms include coughing, wheezing, rapid breathing, chest
tightness, and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. These symptoms can
be prevented by using a treatment that fits your child’s needs.
Taking care of little lungs
Little lungs have special needs. That’s why you need to make sure your child’s
asthma treatment is the right fit. The first step in taking care of your child is to
talk to your child’s doctor about ways to prevent symptoms and attacks before
they happen.
Next | Learn More About Asthma Symptoms >>