What is asthma?
Asthma is a common chronic condition affecting your breathing ability. If you have asthma, your airways are inflamed and can constrict when you come into contact with triggers. Some people experience symptoms of their asthma all the time while others get them every once in a while, usually due to a certain trigger.
The symptoms include:
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Chest heaviness
- Breath shortness
- Trouble sleeping because of breathing problems
Experts aren’t quite sure what causes asthma, but you’re more likely to have it if you have family members with it. Thankfully, asthma is highly manageable, and Dr. Goldstein can develop a plan to ease your child’s symptoms.
What is an asthma attack?
An asthma attack is a short-term flare-up of symptoms after coming into contact with a trigger. Asthma attacks can be highly severe and even life-threatening without immediate care.
During an asthma attack, your airways swell and constrict. They produce mucus, which can make it even harder to breathe freely. The symptoms worsen very quickly, and your child may need emergency care if the attack is severe.
What are some common asthma triggers?
There are many substances, irritants, and actions that could trigger an asthma attack. Triggers are different for everyone, but there are several that are highly common among patients with asthma.
An asthma attack could start because of:
- Exercise
- Pollen
- Dust
- Pet dander
- Stress
- Cold air
- Smoke
- Chemical fumes
- Respiratory infections
Once you identify your child’s trigger or triggers, you can take measures to help them avoid them and reduce the number of asthma attacks they get.
How is asthma treated?
At Kid Care Pediatrics, Dr. Goldstein can help you and your child learn to manage their asthma. If your child has symptoms, but you don’t know whether or not they have asthma, he tests their lung function after opening their airways with a bronchodilator medication. Once he classifies the severity of their asthma, he creates a treatment plan. It might include:
Long-term control medications
Dr. Goldstein may give your child medications to take daily to make asthma attacks less likely and ease ongoing symptoms. They can come in the form of pills or inhalers.
Quick-relief medications
Quick-relief medications are medications your child uses on an as-needed basis. Dr. Goldstein may give them a quick-relief inhaler to use during an asthma attack.
For more information about asthma and asthma treatments, call Kid Care Pediatrics, or book an appointment online today.