Asthma

What causes asthma?

Asthma is a long-lasting lung condition that begins when your child’s airways become inflamed. The inflammation, along with an increase in mucus, makes it hard to breathe because the airways narrow.

Once your child’s airways are inflamed, they also become highly sensitive to things that can trigger an asthma attack. If they have allergies, their allergens top the list of substances that cause a flare-up.

A few of the most common allergic and nonallergic triggers include:

• Pollen
• Dust mites
• Animal dander
• Mold spores
• Cold air
• Stress
• Tobacco smoke
• Respiratory infections 

Many people with asthma also experience a flare-up when they exercise. 

What symptoms do children experience if they have asthma?

Though the severity of asthma symptoms varies from one person to the next, everyone with asthma experiences one or more of the following:

• Chest pain or tightness
• Difficulty breathing (shortness of breath)
• Wheezing
• Dry cough 

Your child’s asthma symptoms may also get worse at night. 

How do pediatricians treat asthma?

Dr. Atousa reviews your child’s medical history and symptoms and then orders or conducts pulmonary function testing.

The most common breathing test, called spirometry, is quick and easy for kids. They only need to take a deep breath and blow into a mouthpiece. 

After evaluating the amount of air your child’s lungs can hold, Dr. Atousa creates a treatment plan that includes: 

Identifying and avoiding triggers

The first step is helping your child learn to avoid the things that trigger an asthma attack. Dr. Atousa helps parents and children identify their triggers and offers suggestions for ways to eliminate or avoid them. 

Asthma action plan

It’s important to have a plan that outlines what parents, teachers, and caregivers should do if your child has an asthma attack. 

Medications

Children with asthma need prescription rescue inhalers that quickly relieve asthma symptoms when a flare-up begins. They may also take daily medications that reduce inflammation in their airways and lower their risk of future asthma flares.

If your child has severe asthma and they’re at least six years old, they may be a good candidate for one of today’s advanced biologic medications that reduce the frequency of asthma attacks.

If your child has any asthma symptoms, don’t wait to see Dr. Atousa. Request an appointment online or call Healthy Kids Care Pediatrics at Sunrise.