What is asthma?
Asthma affects people of all ages; in most cases, it begins during childhood. Of the 22 million people in the United States who suffer from asthma, six million are children.
Asthma is a chronic health condition that affects the airways and lungs. It can cause the airways to swell and fill with mucus, usually in response to a trigger of some kind. This causes the airways to contract and narrow, preventing proper airflow.
In many cases, exposure to specific triggers can cause an asthma flare-up (also called an asthma attack). An asthma attack is a period of time when symptoms are worse and may be difficult to control.
Who is at risk for having asthma?
Risk factors that seem to increase a child’s chances of having asthma include:
- Seasonal allergies
- Frequent respiratory infections
- A family history of asthma
- Eczema
When a child has hyper-responses to environmental or food triggers, such as with seasonal allergies or eczema, it is more likely that may also suffer from asthma.
What are the symptoms of asthma?
If your child is having an asthma attack, their symptoms may be mild or severe. Symptoms vary from child to child and may differ based on specific triggers.
Symptoms of an asthma attack may include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest tightness or heaviness
- Wheezing with breath
- Coughing
- Racing heartbeat
Symptoms may come on suddenly or they may gradually get worse over a period of time.
What are common triggers of asthma?
It is important to identify what may trigger your child’s asthma attacks. You can help them control asthmatic symptoms by helping them avoid their specific triggers.
Common triggers include:
- Exercise or increased activity
- Pollen or mold
- Pet hair or pet dander
- Irritants in the air
- Extremes temperature or humidity
Sometimes acute health conditions like a cold, the flu, or gastric reflux may trigger asthma attacks.
What is the treatment for asthma?
While symptoms may get less severe as your child gets older, asthma is a chronic condition that does not have a cure. One of the most important aspects of ongoing asthma care is the prevention or avoidance of triggers. Your pediatrician works closely with you to help determine and prevent the source of your child’s triggers.
Treatments may include:
- Allergy testing
- Oral medications
- Inhaler-based medications
- At-home nebulizer treatments
Shoham Medical offers up-to-date, evidence-based treatments, as well as same-day appointments for times when your child is having an asthma attack or increased frequency of flare-ups.
For a treatment plan and ongoing support for your child’s asthma, call or book an appointment online with Shoham Medical.
