Noticing two health trends (skyrocketing rates of both weight gain and asthma among kids over the last few decades), researchers from the University of California recently set out to see if the two were related. They reviewed the results of several published studies and concluded that being overweight increases a child's risk of developing asthma by 50 percent.
That's no small matter, because this disorder can greatly affect a child's quality of life. Asthma causes the airways leading to the lungs to become inflamed, which blocks the flow of air and induces coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Asthma attacks may be brought on by allergies, airborne irritants such as secondhand smoke, or exercise — and they can really interfere with a child's ability to be physically active. Severe attacks can reduce oxygen in the blood to dangerously low levels.
Common symptoms of asthma include coughing
after exercise or at night, feelings of
tightness in the chest, and shortness of breath.
If your child has these symptoms, it's worth a
visit to the doctor to check them out. Asthma is
often effectively controlled with medicines, and
getting the right treatment will help everyone
in the family breathe easier.