Treatment for Asthma in Norwood and Milford OH.

What Is Asthma?

Asthma is a serious medical condition, caused by inflammation and muscle tightening around airways, which results in narrowing of the airway and difficulty breathing.

Signs and Symptoms of Asthma in Children

Asthma in infants is more difficult to detect. Signs and symptoms of asthma in infants includes:

• Taking longer to feed
• Wheezing during feeding
• Tiring easily

Asthma in children can cause a variety of signs and symptoms, including:

• Frequent episodes of wheezing and coughing
• Problems breathing, especially during activity
• Frequent episodes of bronchitis

The Connection Between Asthma and Allergies

Asthma is often precipitated by exposure to a substance your child is allergic to, known as an allergen. Allergy testing is often the first step in treating both allergies and asthma. When you and your child know what your child is allergic to, your child can hopefully avoid the substance. Avoidance isn’t always possible, so your pediatrician may also recommend allergy treatment including allergy shots or sublingual immunotherapy.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Asthma

Asthma is diagnosed with lung function testing including spirometry. Asthma testing determines if your child has asthma, and to what degree. Treatment begins with lifestyle and environmental modifications to control exposure to allergens and reduce asthma attacks. In addition, your pediatrician may recommend:

• Short-term rescue inhalers for acute breathing difficulties
• Long-term asthma management medications to prevent an asthma attack

What You Can Do To Help Prevent an Asthma Attack

You can take steps at home to reduce the possibility of an asthma attack. You need to reduce exposure to dust, mold, mildew, and other allergens. You can do this by:

• Vacuuming and dusting frequently
• Installing a HEPA filter in your house, especially in your child’s bedroom
• Using hypoallergenic sheets and bedding, and launder them frequently
• Keeping pets off furniture and out of your child’s bedroom
• Keeping doors and windows closed during spring and summer months

Want To Know More About Asthma?

To find out more about the signs, symptoms, treatment, and management of asthma, call the pediatricians at ESD Pediatric Group at (513) 248-1210 to schedule an appointment at one of our two locations in Norwood and Milford OH.