According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) nearly 10% of children in the US suffer from asthma. Oscar Sugastti, MD, FAA, and Jacqueline Adames, FNP-BC, and the team at AAA Pediatrics, located in Woodbridge, Virginia, offers expert diagnosis, management, and ongoing support when your child has breathing difficulty because of this chronic condition. For compassionate asthma care, call or schedule an appointment online today.
Asthma is a common respiratory condition that makes it hard for your child to breathe or catch their breath. An asthma attack comes on suddenly when a specific trigger causes inflammation in the airways and the muscles in their lungs to constrict.
Asthma is a chronic condition, which may cause long-term lung damage and make children and adults more susceptible to respiratory infections and other lung conditions. Children with an increased risk of asthma include those who live with adults who smoke cigarettes or who have a family history of asthma.
For some children, asthma can be life-threatening. In most cases, however, asthma is easily controlled with expert care, ongoing monitoring, medications, and avoidance of triggers.
Your child’s asthma symptoms are unique to them and may vary in severity and frequency. Most cases of childhood asthma present symptoms before they are five years old. Common symptoms include:
If your child has allergies, eczema, or frequent bouts of chronic lower respiratory problems before their first birthday, they may be more likely to have asthma symptoms.
Each child with asthma has their own set of triggers that may cause symptoms. Common triggers for asthma symptoms include:
When you know your child’s triggers, you can more effectively reduce the chances of them having severe asthma attacks by avoiding triggers and getting treatment quickly if they react.
Asthma is a chronic condition that doesn’t have a cure. With knowledge of your child’s triggers, ongoing monitoring, and expert care, however, your child can still live a healthy, full, active life.
Your child’s treatment plan may include:
If your child has asthma, it is essential that you get early treatment for conditions such as allergic reactions, strep throat, respiratory infections, colds, or the flu, as these may trigger an asthma attack or flare-up.
For expert asthma treatment and ongoing support, call or schedule an appointment online with AAA Pediatrics today.