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Asthma Q & A

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What is asthma?

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Asthma is a chronic health condition that impacts your child’s ability to breathe effectively. Asthma affects both children and adults, and symptoms most often begin during childhood.

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Asthma causes excessive mucus production as well as inflammation and constriction of your child’s airways. This makes airflow into their lungs more difficult and creates the shrill sound called wheezing that’s associated with asthma

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Often, asthma is caused by a trigger of some kind, and it can come on very suddenly. An asthma flare-up, also called an asthma attack, is a period when your child’s respiratory symptoms are worse or difficult to control.

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What are the symptoms of asthma?

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If your child has asthma, symptoms may range from mild to severe and include:

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• Difficulty breathing

• Wheezing

• Chest tightness or pain

• Coughing

• Racing heartbeat

 

Specific symptoms may differ from child to child and vary in severity from one asthma attack to another. Symptoms may increase in severity over time or conversely; they may improve as the child gets older.

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What are some common triggers for asthma?

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To treat the condition properly, it’s essential to identify what triggers your child’s asthmatic reaction. As a parent, your understanding of what causes their symptoms is invaluable.

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Common triggers include:

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• Dust

• Pollen

• Mold

• Pet dander

• Exercise or increased activity

• Environmental irritants, like harsh chemicals

• Extreme hot or cold

• Increased humidity

• Food allergies

 

Sometimes an acute illness, like a cold or the flu, can trigger an asthma attack. Triggers are specific to each child. Dr. Fayad helps you identify what may be causing your child’s asthma flare-ups to establish an effective treatment plan.

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What are the treatments for asthma?

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Asthma does not have a cure. Your child’s treatment plan focuses on prevention of flare-ups and avoidance of triggers, and may include:

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• Allergy testing

• Rescue inhalers

• Oral medications

• In-office breathing treatments

• At-home breathing treatments

• Parent and child education

 

Dr. Fayad and the team at Pediatrics R US are committed to providing ongoing support and effective treatment of your child’s asthma throughout their childhood.

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For an evaluation of your child’s asthma symptoms, call the office or schedule an appointment online with Pediatrics R US today

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