Asthma Q&A
What is asthma?
Asthma is a chronic disease that causes airway swelling, which reduces the amount of air moving from the nose and mouth into the lungs. Asthma is triggered when irritants or allergens enter the lungs, such as pet dander or pollen. Some people experience asthma after exposure to cold air, viral infections, laughing, or exercise.
Severe asthma symptoms that come on suddenly are called asthma attacks and can be life-threatening.
What are the symptoms of asthma?
Common symptoms and warning signs of asthma include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Chest tightness
Asthma symptoms are sometimes hard to distinguish from other conditions, such as the common cold or bronchitis. If your child experiences any asthma symptoms, schedule an appointment at Cesar Chavarria, M.D., Inc. If symptoms are severe, or your child is struggling to breathe, seek emergency medical care immediately.
What is an asthma treatment plan?
There are no known cures for asthma. An asthma treatment plan is customized to each individual to help manage symptoms and prevent asthma attacks.
If your child has asthma, Dr. Chavarria determines your child’s asthma triggers and develops a comprehensive care treatment plan to help your child avoid those triggers and monitor breathing ability.
Comprehensive care plans use the lowest doses of medication and mildest ingredients including vitamin supplements, dietary considerations, along with environmental and lifestyle optimization, and emotional support.
Asthma treatment plans for children with frequent asthma symptoms may include daily prescription medications for long-term control of asthma symptoms as well as quick-relief medication such as an albuterol inhaler for use during an active asthma attack.
For asthma triggered by allergies, treating the underlying allergies is a potential solution to managing symptoms.
Can my child outgrow asthma?
Children with severe asthma symptoms rarely outgrow asthma as adults. If your child has mild or moderate asthma, it is possible he or she will notice decreasing symptoms as they get older. Asthma can also disappear and reappear later in life.
To find out if your child has asthma and get an effective asthma treatment plan, call Cesar Chavarria, M.D., Inc., today, or book an appointment online.
