Asthma is a chronic lung disease characterized by difficulty moving air into and out of the lungs. It is also the most common chronic health condition among American children and accounts for significant lost time from school and other activities.

Kids with asthma have sensitive airways. When an asthma trigger is present, your child’s airways can become irritated, inflamed, and partially or even fully obstructed.

Some common asthma triggers include:

Tobacco smoke Pet dander Mold Air pollution Sudden changes in weather Strong odors like perfume Pollen Certain medications, including aspirin Even exercise or strong emotions can trigger asthma in kids.

Knowing the symptoms of childhood asthma can make it easier to know when to seek help from an experienced specialist at Pediatric Place. Some things to keep an eye out for include:

Frequent coughing spells Rapid or shallow breathing Chest tightness or pain Shortness of breath Whistling or wheezing sounds when breathing Lack of energy while playing Needing to pause during physical exertion to catch their breath If you notice these signs, schedule a diagnostic exam to find answers and explore solutions.

There are a number of ways to treat asthma, and all options are discussed with you in detail to help you make the right choice for your child. One of the most powerful ways to treat asthma is to determine the triggers that cause airway problems and take steps to avoid those triggers. Medication might play a role in your child’s asthma care. Fast-acting inhaled medications that can quickly open your child’s airways. Other medications help to reduce swelling over time, reduce mucus in your lungs, or help prevent your body from reacting so strongly to triggers. If you’re concerned about your child’s breathing and would like to come in for an asthma screening, book a visit at Pediatric Place today. Online scheduling is available, or you can always call or stop by the office to check appointment availability