Asthma is a condition that can lead to serious complications. Asthma can be diagnosed by an asthma specialist, and there are many treatment options available. Find out about the symptoms and solutions of asthma.
Causes and Concerns
Asthma is a condition that makes it hard to breathe due to swelling and inflammation of the airway structures. Airways become tight and narrow during an asthma attack, leading to breathing difficulty as air is unable to pass through the lungs. Attacks can also range in severity from minor to severe. While the cause of asthma is unknown, there are things that put your child at risk for developing this condition. These include:
- Chronic Rhinosinusitis (CRS)/ Chronic Sinusitis
- Laryngoparyngeal Reflux (LPR)
- Heredity: Usually runs in the family
- Allergies: Associated with this condition
- Environment: Pollution and other factors
Symptoms and Signs
If you suspect your child has asthma, you should consider scheduling an appointment with one of our caring pediatric asthma specialists. There are a few different symptoms related to asthma, and these can become worse at night and during allergy season. These include:
- Coughing
- Trouble sleeping
- Wheezing
- Fatigue during physical activity
- Tightness in the chest
- Shortness of breath
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
Solutions and Options
A doctor can diagnose asthma by examining the child and performing some tests. These tests will help the doctor determine the extent of the disease. Some of the tests are spirometry, X-rays, and allergy testing. Spirometry is a test that measures the air flow in and out of the child’s lungs. X-rays are often done to rule out infections. Also, allergy testing helps the doctor determine the allergen that is causing the symptoms.
Because asthma does restrict the airways, trouble breathing is a main symptom, and this can often scare the child. Asthma can be controlled long term, however, through the use of medications and an action plan. You track your child’s symptoms and progress through a chart, and report it to your doctor. It is typical for a child to be on a corticosteroid medication daily to help reduce the number and frequency of attacks.
70% of Asthmatics have Chronic Sinusitis and for best asthma control and better quality of life and health, most would agree that both should be treated. The term “Unified Airway” describes this intimate relationship between the two.
Dr. Tamez of Tejas Ear, Nose and Throat prides himself on being comprehensive and his experience with airway issues in all age groups is vast. Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) and /or Balloon Sinuplasty may be options for you. Make an appointment and let him help you and your family live a fuller, healthier life. At Tejas Ear, Nose and Throat we focus on a holistic whole body approach to Asthma to reduce the need for medications .
Additional Reading:http://www.webmd.com/asthma/tc/asthma-in-children-overview