Asthma Specialist

What is asthma?

Asthma is a common condition that causes breathing problems. When children have asthma, their lungs and airways become quickly inflamed when exposed to certain triggers. Common asthma triggers include inhaling pollen or coming down with a respiratory infection. 

Childhood asthma can interfere with daily activities, like playing with friends or participating in sports. Asthma can also prevent your child from getting a good night’s sleep. Without proper treatment, asthma attacks can be dangerous. 

How do I know if my child has asthma?

Asthma causes the same symptoms in children as it does in adults, including chest tightness and feeling like you can’t breathe. But most children with asthma experience symptoms before age five. At this age, they may not be able to communicate how they feel. 

Your child may have asthma if they show the following signs:

• Coughing that may be worse at night
• A wheezing or whistling sound when breathing
• Breathing too quickly
• Frequent respiratory colds

Many asthma symptoms mimic those of a common cold. If your child’s symptoms occur often or worsen around certain triggers like pet dander or pollen, they might have asthma. If you suspect your child has asthma, the best thing to do is to schedule an appointment at Cool Kidz Pediatrics.

How is asthma diagnosed?

First, your Cool Kidz Pediatrics provider asks you if anyone in your family has asthma or allergies because these conditions tend to run in the family. They may diagnose your child with asthma based on a physical exam and information you provide about symptoms. 

If your child is old enough to complete a lung function test, which involves blowing into a tube, they may take one of those as well.

How is asthma treated?

The team at Cool Kidz Pediatrics develops an individualized treatment plan for your child’s asthma. The goal of an asthma treatment plan is to control symptoms so that your child has few or no asthma attacks and no limitations on activity. 

Avoiding known triggers, such as pet dander or mold, is an important part of managing asthma. Your child may also need to take asthma medication with a nebulizer. This device converts the medication to mist that your child can easily inhale. 

For more information about asthma in children, call Cool Kidz Pediatrics, or book an appointment online today.