Asthma

Does your child have a difficult time breathing during exercise or when they’re outdoors? At Chesterfield Pediatrics in Midlothian, Virginia, the experienced pediatric specialists offer treatments for asthma to help your child breathe easily and safely participate in physical activity. Call the Chesterfield Pediatrics office to schedule an asthma appointment, or use the online booking feature today.

What is asthma?

Asthma is a condition that commonly accompanies allergies, making it difficult to breathe deeply. It causes narrowed airways and a reduced ability to get a full breath of air.

Asthma can be mild, moderate, or severe and, in some cases, life-threatening if left untreated. See the Chesterfield Pediatrics team for an evaluation if your child develops asthma symptoms.

What are the symptoms of asthma?

Asthma symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Difficulty breathing
• Chest pain or tightness
• Coughing
• Trouble sleeping

Your child might have breathing problems that get worse when they exercise, have respiratory infections, breathe in cold or dry air, are under stress, or have gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD). Chemical fumes, smoke, dust, mold, pollen, and other common airborne allergens can make asthma symptoms worse.

What causes asthma?

The cause of asthma isn’t clear, but it likely results from genetic and environmental factors. Things that might increase your child’s risk of asthma include:

• Family history of asthma
• Smoke, pollution, chemical, or exhaust fume exposure
• Carrying excess body weight
• Having allergic conditions

When left untreated, asthma can cause crippling symptoms that interfere with exercise, sleep, school, and other everyday activities. Properly treating it reduces the need for emergency room visits and hospitalizations.

How is asthma diagnosed?

The Chesterfield Pediatrics team diagnoses asthma in children and teenagers after discussing their symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history. They check their vital signs, complete a physical exam, and could order lab tests. Tests can include blood and allergy testing. A lung-function (breathing) test can determine how well your child can take a deep breath of air before and after using an inhaler.

How is asthma treated?

The most common asthma treatment is using an inhaler to widen the airways and improve breathing. Children must avoid being around smoke, exhaust fumes, and other airborne irritants. They should adopt healthy habits and maintain an ideal body weight.

Your child might also need treatment for allergies. They can take oral allergy medicines, use nasal sprays, avoid allergens, or take allergy shots. Using an emergency epinephrine pen (sometimes called an EpiPen®) can diminish severe allergic reactions, including difficulty breathing.

Call the Chesterfield Pediatrics office today to have your child tested or treated for asthma. You can also make your appointment online.