Childhood Asthma FAQs
Asthma is the most common chronic childhood disease, affecting over seven million children in the United States, and is a leading cause of child hospitalizations and emergency visits. Many parents struggle to understand their child’s asthma, but want their little one to lead a happy and healthy life without breathing difficulties.
For help understanding this common breathing condition, read the frequently asked questions about childhood asthma from the kid experts at AGC Pediatrics below.
What are the most common symptoms of childhood asthma?
The common symptoms of childhood asthma are:
· Intermittent or frequent coughing spells
· Chronic cough
· Wheezing or whistling upon exhale
· Shortness of breath
· Chest tightness or pain
· Weakness or tiredness
· Delayed recovery after a respiratory infection
What are the risk factors for asthma?
The risk factors for childhood asthma include:
· Allergies or eczema
· Family history of asthma
· Low birth weight
· Exposure to secondhand smoke before or after birth
· Frequent respiratory infections
· GERD
What are some common asthma triggers?
Some common asthma triggers may include respiratory infections (viruses, colds, etc.), weather changes, exercise, or allergens such as smoke, pollen, pet dander, household chemicals, dust, and other environmental substances.
Will my child outgrow his/her asthma?
Most children who experience breathing difficulties at a young age will never completely grow out of it, but more than 50 percent of children will see a decrease of asthma and allergy symptoms as they grow older. For children who have asthma attacks due to allergens, allergy shots or allergy medications may help reduce the number of acute breathing attacks.
What should I do when my child has an asthma attack?
If your child has an acute asthma attack, there are several steps you can take to ensure their health and safety. First, remain calm. Staying calm and level-headed will allow you to make the best decisions for your child.
Second, have them use their inhaler according to the pediatrician’s instructions and help them calm down as much as possible. Keeping calm can help keep their airway open. If your child still cannot catch his or her breath, head to the emergency room immediately or call 911.
How do I know when my child needs emergency treatment for asthma?
If your child cannot calm his or her breathing after stopping physical activity and using an inhaler, you should immediately call 911 or go to the emergency room. Other indications that your child needs emergency care include:
· Cannot complete a sentence without catching their breath
· Widens their nostrils to get air
· Is using their abdominal or stomach muscles to breathe and is struggling to take a deep breath
How can I best manage my child’s asthma?
The best way to manage your child’s asthma is to treat it preventatively. Regular checkups with your child’s pediatrician will help stay on top of breathing problems. It is also important to ensure your child maintains the doctor’s recommended medication regimen.
Many doctors will prescribe a long-acting treatment such as a corticosteroid or bronchodilator, as well as a quick-acting medication such as an albuterol inhaler. They might also recommend allergy shots or allergy medications to help lessen asthma triggers.
Other asthma management methods include knowing and avoiding your child’s asthma triggers, maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine for your child, and reducing allergens or pollutants in your child’s environment.
For help understanding this common breathing condition, read the frequently asked questions about childhood asthma from the kid experts at AGC Pediatrics below.
What are the most common symptoms of childhood asthma?
The common symptoms of childhood asthma are:
· Intermittent or frequent coughing spells
· Chronic cough
· Wheezing or whistling upon exhale
· Shortness of breath
· Chest tightness or pain
· Weakness or tiredness
· Delayed recovery after a respiratory infection
What are the risk factors for asthma?
The risk factors for childhood asthma include:
· Allergies or eczema
· Family history of asthma
· Low birth weight
· Exposure to secondhand smoke before or after birth
· Frequent respiratory infections
· GERD
What are some common asthma triggers?
Some common asthma triggers may include respiratory infections (viruses, colds, etc.), weather changes, exercise, or allergens such as smoke, pollen, pet dander, household chemicals, dust, and other environmental substances.
Will my child outgrow his/her asthma?
Most children who experience breathing difficulties at a young age will never completely grow out of it, but more than 50 percent of children will see a decrease of asthma and allergy symptoms as they grow older. For children who have asthma attacks due to allergens, allergy shots or allergy medications may help reduce the number of acute breathing attacks.
What should I do when my child has an asthma attack?
If your child has an acute asthma attack, there are several steps you can take to ensure their health and safety. First, remain calm. Staying calm and level-headed will allow you to make the best decisions for your child.
Second, have them use their inhaler according to the pediatrician’s instructions and help them calm down as much as possible. Keeping calm can help keep their airway open. If your child still cannot catch his or her breath, head to the emergency room immediately or call 911.
How do I know when my child needs emergency treatment for asthma?
If your child cannot calm his or her breathing after stopping physical activity and using an inhaler, you should immediately call 911 or go to the emergency room. Other indications that your child needs emergency care include:
· Cannot complete a sentence without catching their breath
· Widens their nostrils to get air
· Is using their abdominal or stomach muscles to breathe and is struggling to take a deep breath
How can I best manage my child’s asthma?
The best way to manage your child’s asthma is to treat it preventatively. Regular checkups with your child’s pediatrician will help stay on top of breathing problems. It is also important to ensure your child maintains the doctor’s recommended medication regimen.
Many doctors will prescribe a long-acting treatment such as a corticosteroid or bronchodilator, as well as a quick-acting medication such as an albuterol inhaler. They might also recommend allergy shots or allergy medications to help lessen asthma triggers.
Other asthma management methods include knowing and avoiding your child’s asthma triggers, maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine for your child, and reducing allergens or pollutants in your child’s environment.
Get Help for Your Child’s Asthma at AGC Pediatrics
At AGC Pediatrics, we understand that managing your child’s asthma symptoms can be scary and overwhelming. That’s why we’ll answer any questions you may have about your child’s condition, and work with you to create a custom asthma management plan to help keep your child happy, healthy and breathing easier.
To set up an appointment at one of our convenient North Georgia locations, talk to one of our friendly and knowledgeable staff members at 706-625-5900.
To set up an appointment at one of our convenient North Georgia locations, talk to one of our friendly and knowledgeable staff members at 706-625-5900.
