Does Your Child Have Asthma?

Though it is common and often mild, childhood asthma can be a serious cause for concern for many parents. However, learning to spot the signs and symptoms of this chronic condition and working with your doctor to manage its symptoms is crucial to the health of your child. Learn more about childhood asthma and how to identify its symptoms by reading below, and contact Dr. Farnoush Jamali at Prime Pediatrics in Gaithersburg, MD, if you are at all concerned about your child.

 

What is asthma?
Asthma is a chronic condition which affects the airways and causes them to contract, causing difficulty breathing. Inflammation of the airways results in narrowed passages. These airways are crucial in carrying oxygen from the air you breathe into the lungs, meaning that asthma can be a potentially dangerous and serious condition.

 

Does my child have asthma?
According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology, childhood asthma is the most common chronic childhood disease. Unfortunately, childhood asthma is hard to diagnose. Learning to spot the signs and symptoms of asthma can help your child get the help they need. Some of these signs include:

  • Wheezing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Frequent coughing
  • Chest pain
  • Chest congestion or tightness
  • Recurrent episodes of suspected bronchitis or pneumonia

 

Childhood asthma treatments
The goal of asthma treatment is to limit its symptoms as much as possible, decrease the instances of flare-ups, and allow your child to be active or exercise without restrictions. Learning your child’s asthma triggers can help you prevent attacks by avoiding the triggers. Your doctor may also suggest long-term or quick-relief medications to manage the symptoms. These can include a quick-relief inhaler for use during attacks, or corticosteroids to be inhaled for several days or weeks. Allergy management with medication or allergy shots can additionally help reduce the symptoms of allergy-induced asthma.

 

Concerned? Call our Gaithersburg office today!

Working with your doctor to create an asthma action plan will ensure that you and your child know the best way to treat their symptoms and exactly what to do during an asthma attack. For more information on childhood asthma, please contact Dr. Farnoush Jamali at Prime Pediatrics in Gaithersburg, MD. Call (301) 977-2440 to schedule your child’s appointment with Dr. Jamali today!

Main Location

845-B Quince Orchard Blvd,
Gaithersburg, MD 20878