Asthma

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic condition that causes inflammation in the airways, which bring oxygen from the mouth into the lungs. This inflammation makes it difficult for your child to breathe and can result in other symptoms that interfere with your child’s health. 

In many cases, airway inflammation results after exposure to an allergen, such as dust or mold. Other children can develop exertional asthma and airway inflammation during physical activity and exercise. 

Children who have a family history of asthma and allergies may be at increased risk for asthma. Your child may also develop asthma if they experience frequent infections in their upper respiratory system.

What are the symptoms of asthma?

Asthma symptoms can range from mild to severe and include:

• Wheezing
• Chronic cough
• Chest tightness 
• Shortness of breath

Some children may be prone to severe asthma attacks, requiring immediate medical intervention to prevent additional health complications. 

How is asthma diagnosed?

The team at Kids Kare Pediatrics provides in-office diagnostic testing for asthma. Your provider initially performs a physical exam of your child’s overall health and reviews their symptoms to determine if breathing issues are related to asthma or allergies. 

A simple test, known as a spirometry test, is then useful for measuring shortness of breath and other breathing difficulties. The test requires your child to blow into a device that measures how much air their lungs can hold and how fast your child can inhale and exhale.

The providers at Kids Kare Pediatrics may also recommend allergy testing to better understand your child’s triggers. 

What treatments are available for asthma?

While there is no cure for asthma, the team at Kids Kare Pediatrics creates a management plan for reducing allergy symptoms and preventing long-term health complications. 

Some children may need daily medications to prevent asthma attacks. Your child may also need inhaled medications on an as-needed basis to reduce airway inflammation quickly. 

If your child has allergy-induced asthma, the pediatric team at Kids Kare Pediatrics can work closely with you on a treatment plan to avoid triggers. 

If asthma attacks result from physical activity, your provider may recommend lifestyle changes and limiting activities that may trigger breathing problems. 

If your child struggles to breathe due to chronic asthma, schedule a consultation by calling Kids Kare Pediatrics or requesting an appointment online today.