Asthma

Asthma is a disease caused by chronic airway inflammation. A child having an asthma attack usually has wheezing, couhg, and trouble breathing. Things like viral respiratory infections, cold air, changes in seasons, cigarette smoke, animals, strong smells and pollen can make asthma worse. Asthma is treated with a quick-acting ("rescue") inhaler that will dilate the bronchi along with inhaled steroid that will stop the over production of mucus by the lungs. Some children also need a controller inhaler (administered every day after the acute episode has resolved). The inhaled medications (pumps) should always be administered with a spacer, the nebulized medications require a mask or a mouth piece. If your child has asthma and they are having asthma symptoms, you should follow the "sick plan" using the rescue medications, and make an appointment in our office if the asthma treatment does not help, or if your child continues to cough and wheeze even after getting the treatment. If you think your child may have asthma, please call and make an appointment in our office. If your child is struggling to breath give a treatment and call 911.

Your child should have a follow-up appointment every 3-6 months to assess the severity of asthma, the response to medications and review trigger factors. It is important that you have medication available at home and school to treat acute asthma exacerbation and prevent ED visits. Call our office to schedule an appointment.