If your child struggles to get a full breath of air, especially during physical activity, asthma might be the reason. At Neighborhood Pediatrics in Shenandoah, Texas, board-certified pediatricians diagnose and treat asthma to help your child breathe easier and reduce the risk of life-threatening problems. If you suspect your child has asthma, call the Neighborhood Pediatrics office or schedule an appointment online today.
Asthma is a condition in which airways get narrow and swell. They may produce extra mucus and make breathing difficult, causing unpleasant – even dangerous – symptoms in kids and adults alike.
Seeking treatment with the Neighborhood Pediatrics team can help your child get a full breath of air, especially during exercise. In addition, the providers offer asthma action plans for home and at school.
Common signs and symptoms of asthma include:
If your child experiences ongoing or severe shortness of breath, schedule an evaluation with Neighborhood Pediatrics or seek emergency treatment if needed.
While anyone can develop asthma, certain factors boost your child’s risk of having it. Examples include:
However, the cause of asthma isn’t always clear.
To determine if your child has asthma, Neighborhood Pediatrics specialists discuss your child’s symptoms and medical history. Then, they complete a physical exam and listen to their breathing.
Your child also completes breathing tests. They breathe into specialized devices and repeat the process after inhaling medicine that opens the airways.
Providers might also complete allergy testing, chest X-rays, or other diagnostic tests to detect or rule out underlying causes of breathing problems.
The most common asthma treatment when your child experiences shortness of breath is an inhaler. They might use it during exercise or when exposed to airborne allergens.
Your child may receive treatments for allergies, such as oral medicines, nasal sprays, or allergy shots. Avoiding allergy triggers and breathing in clean air can also help. You may also need to use an air purifier at home.
If your child has breathing problems and you suspect it’s because of asthma, schedule an evaluation with Neighborhood Pediatrics as soon as possible. Call the office or book an appointment online today.
