Managing Asthma in Newborns
As the parent of a newborn, you’re constantly working to protect the new precious life that’s been entrusted into your care. From choosing the right bedding to picking their first solid foods, moms and dads have their hands full trying to make the right decisions for their little one.
When a newborn starts to exhibit signs of breathing difficulties, new parents are often overwhelmed, and might not know where to turn. At AGC Pediatrics, we know that the health of your child is extremely important, so we’ve included some tips for managing your newborn’s asthma below.
When a newborn starts to exhibit signs of breathing difficulties, new parents are often overwhelmed, and might not know where to turn. At AGC Pediatrics, we know that the health of your child is extremely important, so we’ve included some tips for managing your newborn’s asthma below.
What is Childhood Asthma?
Asthma is a narrowing or blocking of the airway, usually due to the constriction of the smooth muscles. It can range from mild to severe, and may be triggered by a number of factors. As the leading cause of hospitalizations and emergency room visits for children, asthma is a common but serious condition.
What Causes Asthma in Newborns?
Asthma can be caused by a variety of risk factors including:
· Environmental factors such as air pollutants or secondhand smoke
· Allergens (dust, pollen, smoke, pet dander, etc.)
· Physical activity
· Hereditary factors
· GERD
· Environmental factors such as air pollutants or secondhand smoke
· Allergens (dust, pollen, smoke, pet dander, etc.)
· Physical activity
· Hereditary factors
· GERD
What Happens During an Asthma Attack?
Asthma attacks can be caused by all kinds of triggers including allergens, air pollutants, exercise and weather changes. When an asthma attack happens, the smooth muscle in the airways swell and constrict to block the “trigger” from entering the body, but the airway over-constricts and is filled with mucous, which reduces the amount of air that is able to pass through.
Signs and Symptoms of an Asthma Attack in a Newborn
Infants and very young children cannot tell you when they are having trouble breathing, so it is important to be able to recognize the signs of an asthma attack. During an attack, your child may:
· Wheeze or whistle upon exhaling
· Breathe more rapidly without being able to get a deep breath
· Cry differently
· Have trouble sucking
· Refuse to eat
· Breathe with ribs or stomach moving in and out deeply
· Be lethargic
· Not respond to parents
· Show signs of cyanosis such as blue nails or lips
· Wheeze or whistle upon exhaling
· Breathe more rapidly without being able to get a deep breath
· Cry differently
· Have trouble sucking
· Refuse to eat
· Breathe with ribs or stomach moving in and out deeply
· Be lethargic
· Not respond to parents
· Show signs of cyanosis such as blue nails or lips
Tips for Managing Your Infant or Toddler’s Asthma
The first step in managing your child’s asthma is to speak with your pediatrician. Because your baby cannot express when they are having trouble breathing, it is important to describe all details that you notice about your child’s breathing, as well as your family’s medical history, if it includes asthma, allergies or GERD.
Once your child has been diagnosed with asthma, it is important to follow the asthma action plan that you and your child’s pediatrician create. This plan will most likely include a medication routine with an inhaler as well as signals for identifying an asthma attack and when to seek emergency treatment.
It is also important to remove environmental pollutants and triggers from your child’s surroundings, such as pet dander, smoke and dust. Put hypoallergenic sheets in your baby’s crib or toddler bed and wash them frequently with mild detergents. HEPA air filters will also help filter out the allergens and triggers in the home.
As your child gets older, teach them to communicate to you, either verbally or with sign language, when they are having trouble breathing and have an emergency plan in place.
Once your child has been diagnosed with asthma, it is important to follow the asthma action plan that you and your child’s pediatrician create. This plan will most likely include a medication routine with an inhaler as well as signals for identifying an asthma attack and when to seek emergency treatment.
It is also important to remove environmental pollutants and triggers from your child’s surroundings, such as pet dander, smoke and dust. Put hypoallergenic sheets in your baby’s crib or toddler bed and wash them frequently with mild detergents. HEPA air filters will also help filter out the allergens and triggers in the home.
As your child gets older, teach them to communicate to you, either verbally or with sign language, when they are having trouble breathing and have an emergency plan in place.
Talk to the Newborn Asthma Experts at AGC Pediatrics
At AGC Pediatrics, our knowledgeable staff of doctors and nurses understands the scary condition of infantile asthma. That’s why we work with each parent and child to create a personalized asthma action plan that will help treat and prevent asthma attacks.
With four convenient North Georgia locations, your child’s pediatrician is never too far to help maintain a healthy and happy lifestyle for your little one.
Call us at 706-625-5900 to set up an appointment about managing your newborn’s asthma and allergies.
With four convenient North Georgia locations, your child’s pediatrician is never too far to help maintain a healthy and happy lifestyle for your little one.
Call us at 706-625-5900 to set up an appointment about managing your newborn’s asthma and allergies.
