Asthma

More than 6 million children have asthma, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. At Merritt Pediatrics in San Antonio, Texas, Christina Merritt, MD, and the team offer comprehensive care to diagnose and treat asthma. If your child is wheezing, coughing, or experiencing chest tightness, Merritt Peidatrics can help. Call the office or request a consultation online today. 

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic condition that narrows your child’s airways and causes them to swell and produce mucus. While common in children, asthma can be dangerous without the right treatment. Asthma has no cure, but Dr. Merritt can design a treatment plan that targets your child’s symptoms, depending on their severity.

What are the symptoms of asthma?

Some children experience very few asthma symptoms, and those symptoms typically subside with age. However, others have more severe issues, such as:

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain or tightness
• Insomnia from trouble breathing
• Severe fits of coughing or wheezing

The symptoms of asthma tend to worsen when your child is sick. If your child is experiencing colds that last for longer than 10 days, they may be experiencing an asthma flare-up.

What causes asthma?

Experts believe that genetics and environmental factors play a role in the development of asthma, but they don’t know exactly what causes it. However, you can minimize your child’s chances of an asthma attack by minimizing the following triggers:

• Too much cardiovascular activity
• Cold air
• Colds and viruses
• Stress
• Air pollutants
• Chemical irritants
• Smoke
• Pet dander, pollen, mold, and other allergens

Certain medications, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin, and beta-blockers, can also aggravate asthma.

What are the treatments for asthma?

After a full physical exam and a review of your child’s medical history, Dr. Merritt may perform a test to gauge their lung function. These lung function tests include:

Peak flow

A peak flow is a small device that measures how hard your child can exhale. If the results are lower than they should be, they may indicate that your child has asthma.

Spirometry

A spirometer determines whether your child has narrowing bronchial tubes. The test works by measuring the amount of air your child can exhale after a deep breath while also assessing how quickly they can blow it out.

Avoiding triggers is the best way to prevent asthma symptoms. However, certain medications can also help manage the symptoms of asthma. Some of the most common medications that pediatricians prescribe to treat asthma include:

• Inhaled corticosteroids
• Combination inhalers
• Oral leukotriene modifiers
• Theophylline (daily pill)

To manage your child’s symptoms, Dr. Merritt may recommend an inhaler for daily use as well as a quick-relief inhaler to control asthma attacks.

To schedule an appointment with Merritt Pediatrics, call the office or request an appointment online today.