Asthma in Children: Recognizing Symptoms and Creating an Action Plan

The last thing any parent wants to see is their child grasping for air, such as during an asthma attack. The A to Z Pediatrics team is Dr. Haravu Lokesh, Dr. Rupal Desai, Dr. Monica Porcelli, and Tarah Savino, PA-C. They can help your child with various ailments, such as asthma, in New Port Richey, FL. This chronic condition affects millions of children and can have severe consequences without management.

Signs You Have an Asthmatic Child

Shortness of breath, even after light exertion, is a primary symptom. Do you hear a whistling sound coming from your child when breathing? That is known as wheezing, which happens when there is some respiratory blockage.

Your child may begin coughing a lot, especially at night, or complain about a tight chest. Children are known for their often boundless energy, so watch out for fast fatigue.

Steps to Help with Asthma

Follow these steps for help: 

Get a Proper Diagnosis

Asthma in New Port Richey, FL, can happen when your child is exposed to allergens or overexerts themselves. The first step is to find that actual trigger. 

When you bring your child to A to Z Pediatrics, the doctor will examine your child and rule out other respiratory ailments. Allergy testing through skin and blood tests can find the culprit, which may be pet dander, dust mites, pollen, smoke, or some foods.

Get Medication

Once doctors find the problem, they can prescribe medication. Although the medication is likely required long-term, the type and dosage may change with age. 

Immunotherapy may help with the adaption to allergens that trigger asthma attacks. When an attack happens, inhalers provide quick relief, so your child should always have one on them. 

Adjust Your Environment and Lifestyle

Once your child has received a diagnosis of asthma, alert other caretakers and school authorities about their health status. Check your home environment for triggers and keep it clean, as carpets can harbor over 4000 times the bacteria found on a toilet seat. Pet dander, dust, dirt, and outside contaminants can all seep into carpet fibers and linger in the air. The same problem can happen with your HVAC system with dirty air ducts, so get regular HVAC service. Consider quitting smoking or not smoking around your child. Moving may also be necessary if your outside environment is polluted.

Take respiratory health seriously and get proper medical care for an asthmatic child. 

Contact Us Today

When you visit A to Z Pediatrics in New Port Richey, FL, Dr. Lokesh, Dr. Desai, Dr. Porcelli, and our physician assistant, Tarah Savino, will help your child with their asthma. 

For compassionate and expert pediatric care, call 727-375-5242 for more information.