Childhood asthma is a prevalent chronic illness worldwide, with the UK exhibiting one of the highest rates of asthma symptoms in children globally. Every 20 minutes, a child is admitted to a UK hospital due to an asthma attack, emphasizing the significant number of children affected. Despite global efforts to promote physical activity, children with asthma engage in less physical activity due to perceived barriers, indicating the need for education to dispel misconceptions about the potential harm of exercise. While organizations like Asthma UK, SIGN, and NICE raise awareness about asthma management in children, existing guidelines primarily emphasize pharmacological interventions, leaving gaps in addressing what physiotherapy services can offer. There is a crucial need for resources to equip physiotherapists with the knowledge and skills required for effective asthma management in children, thereby promoting their overall health.
Epidemiology
The Global Asthma Network’s report estimates approximately 334 million people worldwide suffer from asthma, with a significant impact on disability. This includes both adults and children, emphasizing the urgent need for a comprehensive understanding of the condition.
Childhood Asthma
According to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, a child is defined as anyone under 18, highlighting the importance of considering age-specific factors in managing childhood asthma.
Definition, Incidence, and Prevalence
Asthma is characterized by inflammatory airway disorders with symptoms such as dyspnea, chest tightness, wheezing, sputum production, and cough. Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB), common among adolescents, leads to transient airway narrowing following physical activity. In the UK, one in every 11 children is currently receiving treatment for asthma.
Causes and Classification
Various triggers contribute to childhood asthma, including animals, colds, emotions, food, house dust mites, indoor environments, and more. Severity classifications for children aged 2-5 and over 5 years provide insights into managing the condition.
Statistics
The burden of asthma globally in 2010, measured by disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), reveals a substantial impact, particularly among children aged 10-14 years. Asthma UK further highlights the prevalence of childhood asthma, accounting for 1 in 5 GP consultations and resulting in a child admitted to the hospital every 20 minutes in the UK.
Physical Activity
Definition, Incidence, and Prevalence
The World Health Organization defines physical activity as any bodily movement requiring energy expenditure. Despite global recommendations for children and adolescents to engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily, children with asthma exhibit lower activity levels compared to their healthy peers.
Sedentary Behaviour
Sedentary behavior, defined by the Sedentary Behaviour Research Network, involves activities with low energy expenditure and a sitting or reclining posture. Children and adolescents are advised to limit sedentary behavior to less than 2 hours per day.
Relationship Between Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour, and Obesity in Children with Asthma
Physical activity plays a crucial role in the normal growth and development of children, contributing to cardiovascular and bone health. Evidence suggests that physical activity can improve asthmatic children’s fitness, reduce school absences, and enhance their ability to cope with asthma.
Perceived Barriers to Physical Activity
Parental support, the beliefs of the child, and the school environment pose significant barriers to physical activity for children with asthma. Negative perceptions, fears of exacerbation, and misunderstandings about breathlessness contribute to these barriers.
Current Policies to Asthma Management
Existing guidelines from organizations like Asthma UK, SIGN, and NICE primarily focus on pharmacological interventions, with limited emphasis on the role of physical exercise in managing asthma in children. While Asthma UK advocates for physical activity, specific recommendations on intensity and timing are lacking.
In conclusion, addressing the gaps in current guidelines and providing resources for physiotherapists to manage childhood asthma through physical activity are crucial steps in promoting the health and well-being of children affected by this prevalent chronic condition.
