How to control your child or teenager’s severe Asthma?
Some of the symptoms of childhood asthma are:
- Persistent cough that remains for longer time
- Frequent spells of cough (Occurs especially during intense exercise, in cold air, or while crying)
- Cough that gets worse following a viral infection
- Stopping the play to catch their breath
- Not showing interest in outdoor sports activities
- Trouble in sleeping, more often seen at nights
- Fast breathing
- Pain or tightness in chest
- Wheezing sound when breathing in or out
- Feeling tired
Causes and Triggers of Childhood Asthma
Common triggers include:
- Airway infections: It includes sinus infections, colds and pneumonia.
- Allergens: The child might be allergic to agents like dust mites, cockroaches, pet dander, mold and pollen.
- Irritants: Cold air, air pollution, odors, smoke or chemicals.
- Exercise: It can lead to coughing, wheezing and a tight chest.
- Stress: Can make the child worsen their symptoms due to short of breath.
How childhood asthma diagnosis is performed?
- The diagnosis will include questions about symptoms and medical history of the child. Doctor may also ask the family history of asthma, eczema, allergies, or other lung disease. Parents need to explain clearly about the child’s symptoms including the frequency and its severity.
- During the physical examination, the doctor will take note of your child’s heart and lungs sounds and can look in their eyes or nose for any signs of allergies.
- The child might get a chest X-ray based on the physicians opinion. If the child is older than six years, they may have a trouble-free lung test called spirometry. Other investigations are useful to find asthma triggers, which includes blood tests (IgE or RAST), nitric oxide (eNO), allergy skin testing, and X-rays.
Treatment for childhood Asthma includes:
Children with asthma should have a management plan. Generally two types of medications are available for the treatment
- Quick-relief medications help with sudden symptoms. The child will take them for quick relief during an asthma attack.
- Long-acting medications prevent airway inflammation and keep asthma under control. The child will most likely take them on a daily basis.
Asthma Treatment at home includes:
There are a few steps that you can try at home with your child to help reduce asthma symptom flare-ups.
- Humidifier – If the air in your home is too dry, it may trigger asthma symptoms.
- Breathing exercises – Practicing breathing exercises with your child can help prevent hyperventilation when symptoms flare up.
- Essential oils – Some research has suggested that diffusing essential oils may help to reduce airway inflammation.
Some steps to prevent childhood asthma triggers:
- Keep the child away from smoke in your home.
- Regularly clean the carpets and bedding which helps to fight dust mites.
- Child with asthma should be kept away from the pets.
- Frequent pest control is advised to avoid cockroaches.
- Children should be distanced from scented cleaning products or candles.
- The child must get a flu shot every year.
If your child is suffering from any of the above symptoms, and would like to get evaluated by a board-certified Pediatrician, you can call Quick MD Care at 972-645-9400 to make an appointment.
At Quick MD care, we strongly suggest regular preventive check-ups for your child so that you can identify early signs of Asthma. We are well-equipped with all the infrastructure, expertise and facilities to diagnose and treat childhood asthma. We are known for providing best-in-class service in treating and caring for your child. We serve patients from Frisco TX, Little Elm TX, The Colony TX, McKinney TX, Prosper TX, Aubrey TX, Oak Point TX, Lakewood Village TX, Plano TX, and Dallas TX.