What your pediatricians in McKinney, TX, want you to know about asthma
An asthma attack can be a scary experience, especially for young children. The good news is you can be prepared if your child has an asthma attack, but first you need to know if your child has asthma. There are some definite signs and symptoms to look out for. The
pediatricians at ABC Pediatrics in McKinney, TX, want to share the facts about asthma and your child.
Children often have more severe signs and symptoms of asthma than adults, because a child’s airways are smaller. An asthma attack can be brought on by exposure to something your child is allergic to, including pet dander, pollens from flowers, grasses and plants, household dust, and other common allergens.
According to the Mayo Clinic, some common signs and symptoms of asthma include:
- Wheezing or severe coughing
- A tight feeling in the chest
- Shortness of breath
- Recurring or chronic bronchitis
Signs and symptoms of asthma in infants and toddlers may be more subtle. Be sure to look out for:
- Slow feeding
- Breathing problems while feeding
- Coughing while doing an activity
- Tiring quickly when doing an activity
- Avoiding running or playing because of breathing difficulties
Asthma can be life-threatening, so seek emergency medical treatment if your child experiences:
- Difficulty breathing or gasping for air
- Inability to speak because of breathing issues
- Your child's abdomen gets tucked underneath the ribs during breathing
It’s important to visit the pediatricians at ABC Pediatrics at the first sign of breathing problems. They can assess how well your child’s lungs are functioning, and do allergy testing to determine any substances which can cause an allergic response and potentially bring on an asthma attack.
Fortunately, asthma doesn’t have to control your child’s life. There are several effective treatments your pediatrician might recommend including:
- Rescue inhalers for acute symptoms
- Long-term asthma medications to provide lasting relief
Your child’s asthma can be scary, but you don’t have to deal with it alone. Your pediatrician can help. Just pick up your phone and call the pediatricians at ABC Pediatrics in McKinney, TX, today!