Chronic cough, wheezing and shortness of breath are just a few of the unwanted symptoms of asthma. If you suspect your child has asthma exacerbation, it’s important to seek treatment right away.
While there is no cure for asthma, there are treatments available to help you manage your child’s condition and control their symptoms effectively. Rosa Taveras-Delgado, MD, an AdventHealth pediatrician in Land O’ Lakes, is sharing tips to help you and your child navigate their childhood asthma.
What Causes Asthma?
An asthma attack is caused by an increased immune response that causes your lungs and airways to swell and produce mucus. Certain factors are thought to cause increased risks of asthma development, including:
- Exposure to environmental factors, such as cigarette smoke or other air pollution
- Having a family history of allergies
- Having a family history of asthma
Potential asthma triggers can vary from child to child, but knowing your child’s triggers is a helpful way to help them minimize their symptoms. Common triggers include:
- Allergies to dust mites, pet dander, pollen or mold
- Exposure to air pollutants, such as smoke or chemicals
- Food allergies
- Physical activity
- Viral or bacterial upper respiratory infections
- Weather changes
Even seemingly mild viral infections, like the common cold, can trigger your child’s asthma.
“It’s also important to note that your child’s reactions to their triggers may not occur immediately after exposure, and they may sometimes experience asthma symptoms with no apparent triggers,” says Dr. Taveras-Delgado. “This is why it’s especially important to know your child’s symptoms so you can take action immediately.”
Asthma Symptoms
“Asthma symptoms vary and can change over time,” explains Dr. Taveras-Delgado. “If you suspect your child has asthma or if your child has been diagnosed with asthma and you notice more frequent symptoms, it’s time to seek medical attention to discuss next steps.”
Because asthma symptoms can worsen over time, it’s important to know the signs and symptoms. Signs of new or worsening asthma can include:
- Fatigue due to poor sleep
- Frequent coughing
- Shortness of breath or chest tightness
- Trouble sleeping due to asthma symptoms
- Wheezing or whistling when breathing out
If you suspect your child’s asthma may not be under control, seek medical help. Your child’s pediatrician will work with you to create an action plan to meet your child’s health needs and help them control their symptoms effectively.
Seek emergency care if your child:
- Cannot finish a sentence without pausing for a breath
- Has widened nostrils when inhaling
- Is using their abdominal muscles to breathe
In severe cases, do not hesitate to call 911 or head to your nearest AdventHealth ER for emergency asthma treatment.
Tips for Preventing Asthma Symptoms
When it comes to managing your child’s asthma symptoms, the earlier you seek treatment, the better. Additionally, careful planning to avoid asthma triggers is your child’s best prevention method.
Here are a few steps you can take to reduce your child’s risk of an asthma attack:
- Avoid exposing your child to secondhand smoke
- Help your child maintain a healthy weight
- Follow up with your child’s pediatrician whenever necessary
- If applicable, seek treatment to control acid reflux or severe heartburn
- Limit your child’s exposure to asthma triggers
- When their asthma is well-controlled, encourage your child to live an active lifestyle to promote lung health
Tips for Preventing Asthma Symptoms
We’re here to help keep your child’s lungs healthy so they can breathe easier. For expert asthma treatment, schedule your child’s appointment with Dr. Taveras-Delgado today.
