What is asthma?
Asthma is a chronic disease of the airways that makes breathing difficult. With asthma, there is inflammation of the air passages that results in a temporary narrowing of the airways that carry oxygen to the lungs. This results in asthma symptoms, including coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Asthma is a condition in which a person's airways become inflamed, narrow and swollen, and produce extra mucus, which makes it difficult to breathe. Asthma can occur at any time, but especially occurs during or after physical exertion. Some children have asthma early on, while in others it may develop later in childhood. It’s possible to have chronic breathing problems with asthma, or to experience more infrequent asthma attacks, which are often triggered by strenuous physical activity. Asthma is one of the most common causes of missed school, and it can even disrupt your child’s quality of sleep.
Asthma Treatment Overview
The optimal treatment of asthma depends upon a number of factors, including the child's age, the severity and frequency of asthma attacks, and the ability to properly use the prescribed medications. For the great majority of children, asthma treatment can control symptoms, allowing the child to participate fully in all activities, including sports.
What are the symptoms of asthma in children?
Frequent, intermittent coughing
A whistling or wheezing sound when exhaling
Shortness of breath
Chest congestion or tightness Chest pain
Successful treatment of asthma involves three components:
Controlling and avoiding asthma triggers
Regularly monitoring asthma symptoms and lung function
Understanding how and when to use medications to treat asthma
Although asthma can’t be cured, Dr. Grullon can help you and your child learn to manage the symptoms and find relief. Depending on the severity of your child’s condition and the asthma’s triggers, Dr. Grullon might recommend medication or immunotherapy.
Medication
There are many types of asthma medications and delivery methods. Dr. Grullon might suggest your child carry an inhaler or a nebulizer. In certain cases, your child might also need oral or injectable corticosteroids.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy uses injections with small doses of an allergen. This helps improve the body’s immune defense against allergens that cause asthma symptoms. Normally your child gets a series of injections over a few weeks or months.
What can my child expect after asthma treatment?
In addition to medication or immunotherapy, it might be important to make environmental changes to support your child’s lung health. This means eliminating your child’s exposure to allergens that may cause asthma. With Dr. Grullon’s guidance, your child can recognize the symptoms of an asthma attack and learn how to self-medicate or ask for help when needed. With healthy lungs, kids can participate in all of their favorite activities without getting winded or tired prematurely. To help your child manage the symptoms of asthma, call or book an appointment online today.
Allergy Symptoms in Children
Skin rashes or hives (atopic dermatitis or eczema)
Difficulty breathing (asthma)
Sneezing, coughing, a runny nose or itchy eyes
Stomach upset
Common Allergy Triggers in Children
Outdoors: tree pollen, plant pollen, insect bites or stings
Indoors: pet or animal hair or fur, dust mites, mold Irritants: cigarette smoke, perfume, car exhaust
Foods: peanuts, eggs, milk and milk products
Allergy Treatments
Antihistamines are usually the first medications used to treat allergies. Like their name suggests, they block the effect of histamine. Antihistamines are found in eye drops, nasal sprays and, most commonly, oral tablets and syrup
Antihistamines help to relieve nasal allergy symptoms such as:
Sneezing and an itchy, runny nose
Eye itching, burning, tearing and redness
Itchy skin, hives and eczema