Asthma

When your child has asthma or other breathing problems, it can be frightening and difficult for both of you. The One World Pediatrics team offers expert diagnosis, treatment, and a plan to prevent your child’s asthmatic episodes. From the office located in Longwood, Florida, the team offers in-house nebulizer treatments and ongoing support for your child’s asthma. For an appointment, call or book online today.

​​What is asthma?

Asthma is a condition of the lungs and airways that can prevent air movement and make breathing difficult. This condition is fairly common, affecting about one in 11 children in the United States, but that makes it no less difficult when it affects your child.

Asthma causes the airways to swell and fill with mucus, usually in response to some kind of trigger. This reaction causes the muscles around the airways to narrow, preventing air from flowing well.

In many cases, exposure to specific triggers can cause a flare-up, which is a period of time when symptoms are worse and may be difficult to control.

What are the symptoms of asthma?

If your child is having a flare-up, known as an asthma attack, they may have:

• Chest tightness
• Difficulty breathing
• Coughing
• Wheezing, or a high-pitched noise with breath
• Racing heartbeat

These symptoms may be mild or severe and may vary from child to child. Symptoms may come on suddenly or gradually get worse over a period of time.

What are common asthma triggers?

Identifying your child’s triggers can go a long way in helping to prevent flare-ups. Your child’s triggers are specific to them, as is the type and severity of reaction they may have when exposed.

Common triggers include:

• Pollen or mold
• Irritants in the air
• Pet hair
• Extreme temperature or humidity
• Exercise

Health conditions like a cold, the flu, or gastric reflux can also trigger asthma attacks. 

How is asthma treated?

Asthma is a chronic condition that does not have a cure, but with ongoing support and attention by you and your pediatrician, a lot can be done to prevent your child’s flare-ups.

Your One World Pediatrics provider begins treatment with a thorough assessment and physical exam. They may take chest X-rays, assess your child’s lung function, or perform allergy testing.

Prevention of triggers is one of the most important aspects of ongoing care. Your doctor works closely with you to help uncover and create a plan to prevent exposure to triggers. They may prescribe medications to prevent reactions to triggers and to be given in case of a crisis. He also offers in-house nebulizer treatments.

For a treatment plan and ongoing support for your child’s asthma, call or book an appointment online with One World Pediatrics today.