Pediatric asthma is a significant childhood health problem that plagues about 7.5 million children in the United States. It is a common cause of missed school for children and missed work for parents.
Being a parent of a kid with asthma, it’s essential to learn about pediatric asthma so that prompt action can be taken to prevent asthma attacks.
Let’s discuss pediatric asthma, how it’s diagnosed, various treatment options for asthma, and some helpful parenting tips.
What is Pediatric Asthma?
Pediatric asthma is a respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways in children. This can lead to symptoms like coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. While asthma can occur at any age, most children develop the first asthma symptom by age 5.
Asthma in children can be triggered by various factors, including allergens, viral infections, cold air, exercise, and stress. These triggers can sometimes worsen asthma symptoms, causing an asthma attack or flare-up, which can be life-threatening.
Diagnosis of Pediatric Asthma
In children younger than 6 years, asthma is often difficult to diagnose, as asthma can have symptoms similar to other illnesses.
Typically, the diagnosis of pediatric asthma involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, lung function tests, allergy tests, and chest x-rays.
Medical History
To diagnose pediatric asthma, your child’s doctor will ask about the symptoms your child has been experiencing, their frequency and severity, and any triggers you’ve noticed.
They will also inquire about any family history of asthma or allergies.
Physical Examination
During the physical exam, the doctor will listen to your child’s lungs and look for asthma symptoms, such as wheezing or difficulty breathing.
Lung Function Tests
Your child’s asthma doctor may also recommend lung function tests. These tests measure how well your child’s lungs work.
The most common lung function test is spirometry, which measures how much air your child can breathe in and out and how quickly they can do so.
It’s worth noting here that lung function tests are not ordered for younger children.
Allergy Test
Your child’s asthma doctor can also recommend allergy tests to identify an allergen that may be triggering a reaction from your child’s immune system.
Chest X-rays
Imaging tests such as chest X-rays are ordered to rule out conditions other than asthma.
Treatment of Asthma
Pediatric asthma is a common disease that, if left untreated, can cause long-term damage to the airways. Asthma treatment aims to control and reduce the frequency and severity of asthma attacks.
Asthma treatment is typically a two-pronged approach: long-term control medications to reduce airway inflammation and quick-relief (rescue) medications to relieve acute asthma symptoms.
Long-term Asthma Control Medications
These are taken daily, regardless of whether your child has symptoms. They help to reduce inflammation in the airways, making them less sensitive to triggers. They can also prevent asthma attacks. Examples include inhaled corticosteroids, leukotriene modifiers, and long-acting beta-2 agonists.
Quick Relief Medicines
These are used to provide immediate relief from acute asthma symptoms. Quick relief medicines work by quickly opening up the airways, allowing your child to breathe more easily. Examples include short-acting beta-agonists, anticholinergics, and systemic corticosteroids.
Parenting Tips for Managing Pediatric Asthma
Here are some tips that you can follow to manage your child’s asthma.
Tip #1 Educate Yourself and Your Child
Educate your child about asthma and how it affects them in an age-appropriate way and involve them in managing their asthma.
Tip#2 Identify and Avoid Triggers
Learn what triggers your child’s asthma attack and try to avoid these triggers as much as possible.
Tip#3 Adhere to Asthma Treatment Plan
Ensure your child takes their long-term asthma control medication as prescribed. Set reminders if necessary.
Tip#4 Create an Emergency Action Plan
Work with your child’s asthma doctor to create an emergency action plan. This will outline what medications your child should take in case of an asthma attack, what to do when symptoms worsen, and when to seek emergency care.
Tip#5 Take Your Child for Regular Check-ups
Regular check-ups with your child’s asthma doctor are essential to monitor their asthma and adjust treatment as needed.
Asthma Doctor Near Me in Rochester, New York
If you suspect your child is having asthma symptoms, visit Cornerstone Urgent Care Center to seek medical attention. We have a team of highly trained physicians who provide first-rate chronic disease management for asthma, diabetes, hypertension, and other medical conditions requiring consistent, high-quality care.
You can visit our walk-in clinic any day of the week, even on holidays. For more information or to schedule a consultation with any of our providers, call us today at (585) 207-0088 or use our online appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!
