In one of the few interventions reported in the literature, Murray and Morrison demonstrated that if parents expose their children with asthma to less cigarette smoke, the asthmatic symptoms the children have will be less severe. Children have smaller airways making them more susceptible to airborne pollution. Irritation caused by air pollution that would cause only mild reactions in adults will cause more severe reactions in children due to the percentage of airway loss. In addition, children breath at a more rapid rate and inhale more pollutant per pound of body weight than do adults according to AAP policy statement, June 1993. Children with asthma may need to participate in alternative, indoor activities when pollution levels are exceptionally high.
Children exhibit different signs and symptoms during an asthma attack.
Attacks can begin slowly or rapidly become acute. Treatment of the acute attacks must be done quickly with the child under constant observation until normal respiratory effort is restored. There are obvious signs of the child struggling to breath. Difficulty walking or talking, stops activity and cannot start again. Lips or fingernails are gray or blue.