What are the symptoms of asthma?
Asthma is caused by inflammation and sticky secretions inside the bronchial tubes. These reactions cause the airways to tighten, resulting in:
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
- Rapid breathing
Children with asthma may go for extended periods without symptoms and then have intermittent asthma attacks. The attacks can be brought on by exercise, illness, or other unknown causes.
How is asthma diagnosed?
Dr. Carruth performs several tests to diagnose asthma and rule out other conditions. Diagnostic tests for asthma include:
- Lung function tests: spirometry or methacholine challenge tests; measure the strength and capacity of the lungs
- Chest X-ray: used to rule out other conditions; offers a better picture of the heart, lungs and ribs
- Acid reflux evaluation: determines if acid reflux is a contributing factor
- Allergy tests: identify allergens that contribute to asthma
- Blood test: measures markers of inflammation
If Dr. Carruth determines that your child has asthma, he will identify its severity from mild intermittent asthma to severe persistent asthma so he can recommend a treatment approach.
Is my child at risk of developing asthma?
Researchers aren’t sure what causes asthma, and they haven’t identified a cure either. However, they have pinpointed several risk factors that increase a child’s chance of developing asthma:
- Family history of asthma
- Second-hand smoke exposure before or after birth
- Low birth weight
- Allergies
- Frequent respiratory infections
- Low-income, urban living environments
What treatment options are available for my child with asthma?
Mild forms of asthma may require no more than an occasional puff from an inhaler. Severe asthma may require more involved treatments and emergency medical attention. Typical asthma treatment includes:
Medication
Dr. Carruth can prescribe quick-relief inhalers and nebulizer treatments for children with asthma. He may also suggest an oral controller medication to reduce inflammation and relax the airways for children with persistent asthma.
If your child has allergies, your pediatrician can provide allergy medication to manage symptoms.
Trigger avoidance
By tracking the foods and activities that bring on an asthma attack, you may be able to identify what triggers it. If you know which situations and allergens trigger your child’s asthma, you and your child can make sure to avoid those triggers.
If your child shows symptoms of asthma, make an appointment with TLC Pediatrics Medical Group, Inc to get a proper evaluation and create an asthma management plan.
