Asthma

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic condition that causes wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing. It occurs when the airways narrow and produce too much mucus. 

Asthma can develop at any age, but it’s most common in children. Some children only experience mild symptoms of asthma, while others require constant treatment to control the condition.

Although there is currently no cure for asthma, it’s manageable with proper care. The pediatricians at Garland Pediatric Practice diagnose and treat asthma in children of all ages. 

What are the symptoms of asthma?

The signs of asthma aren’t always obvious. Some children only experience symptoms during exercise, dry weather, or when in contact with certain allergens. Common symptoms of asthma include:

• Wheezing
• Coughing
• Difficulty breathing
• Shortness of breath
• Trouble sleeping due to breathing problems
• Chest pain

While asthma symptoms usually come and go, they can also be chronic and interfere with your child’s ability to exercise or participate in sports. Frequent asthma attacks can also lead to increased sick days that take your child away from school.

What causes asthma?

Various environmental and genetic factors influence the development of asthma in children. While medical experts don’t know the exact cause of asthma, certain triggers can provoke an asthma attack or worsen symptoms. The most common asthma triggers are:

• Exercise
• Cold or dry air
• Allergens, like pet dander, pollen, and mold
• Smoke and other environmental pollutants
• Stress
• Viruses and respiratory infections
• Certain medications

In some children, certain foods can irritate the airways and trigger asthma symptoms. Potatoes, shrimp, and dried food are among the most common foods linked to asthma attacks.

How is asthma diagnosed?

Spirometry is the most common tool used to detect asthma in children. During this breathing test, your child’s pediatrician clips their nose and gives them a small mouthpiece that connects to the spirometry machine. Next, your child inhales and exhales as hard as they can to measure their lung function. The test typically takes about 30 minutes.

How is asthma treated?

Asthma treatment depends on the severity of your child’s condition. Corticosteroid and combination inhalers are common treatments for asthma. 

Your pediatrician may also recommend quick-relief inhalers if your child experiences frequent asthma attacks. Trigger avoidance is another way to reduce asthma attacks and minimize uncomfortable symptoms.

Call Garland Pediatric Practice or schedule an appointment online today to learn more about asthma.