Asthma is a medical condition that causes breathing issues in children, teens, and adults. It happens when the airways in your child’s lungs become inflamed, causing them to narrow.

It’s unknown exactly why some children get asthma while others don’t, but genetics may play a role.

An asthma attack, or flare-up, occurs when something worsens your child’s asthma. Many factors trigger asthma attacks, including pet dander, allergens, weather changes, and exercise.

When your child’s asthma is triggered, their air passages narrow, making it more difficult for air to pass through your child’s lungs. This causes a variety of symptoms, which include:  

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Chest tightness
• Fast heartbeat
• Trouble breathing

The symptoms of an asthma attack are much more severe than normal, everyday asthma. If your child has an asthma attack, getting them treated quickly is important.

There are various factors that may increase your child’s risk of acne, including:

• Excess oil production
• Hormonal changes
• Eating a poor diet
• Stress
• Bacteria
• Inflammation

Every child is different. After a skin exam and a review of your child’s medical records, the team can make treatment recommendations.

Unfortunately, asthma is often a chronic problem, meaning your child has it for the rest of their life. However, the team manages asthma through several treatment modalities. 

The team at Abdow Friendship Pediatrics helps your child understand what sets off their asthma so they can avoid those triggers. Common factors that provoke asthma include allergies, the weather, and physical activity.

Your child may also require medications to manage their symptoms. There are typically two forms of asthma medications: quick-acting and maintenance medications. 

Quick-acting medications are considered rescue medications and are usually a type of inhaler. Your child uses them during an asthma attack to quickly open the airways and make breathing easier. 

The team uses maintenance medications to prevent flare-ups. Your child takes them every day to help reduce inflammation in their airways. 

Your child may need both quick-acting medications and maintenance medications, or only quick-relief inhalers, depending on the severity of their asthma symptoms.

Asthma is a serious condition that can sometimes take a turn for the worse. If your child is experiencing an asthma attack that isn’t relieved by their rescue inhaler, you should take them straight to the emergency room.

Other signs of an asthma emergency in your child include:

• Severe sweating
• Agitation or confusion
• Blue lips or nail beds
• Straining to breathe
• Tightness in their chest

These signs are symptoms of respiratory compromise, which is very dangerous. Minutes count during an asthma attack, and emergency treatment is vital.

To find out more about your child’s asthma, call the office in Rockville, Maryland, today to schedule an appointment. You may also request a consultation on the website.

We specialize in Pediatric and Adolescent medicine in Rockville, MD. Call us to book your appointment today.