Treatment Options for Pediatric Asthma
Breathing difficulties can be scary, especially if your child is having breathing problems. Asthma is a common problem in children, and your pediatrician can help. Our doctors at Horizon Pediatrics & Primary Care provide a wide range of medical services including diagnosis and treatment of pediatric asthma. They have three convenient office locations in Thornton, Longmont, and Denver, CO.
What You Need To Know About Childhood Asthma
Pediatric asthma is more common than you think. In fact, the CDC estimates 1 in 10 children suffer from asthma. If your child is one of them, you want your child to get relief. There are several factors which put your child at greater risk of having asthma. Risk factors include:
- A family history of asthma
- Having allergies, which can trigger an asthma attack
- Exposure to smoke, pollution, and other irritants
Asthma symptoms can be acute, as a result of sudden exposure to an allergen. Asthma symptoms can also become chronic, due to frequent colds or respiratory infections. If you are wondering whether your child might have asthma, these are just a few warning signs and symptoms:
- Shortness of breath and frequent coughing
- Chest congestion, tightness, and pain
- Wheezing or whistling when exhaling
- Problems sleeping due to coughing or breathing difficulties
- Breathing difficulties when your child is active
- Delayed recovery from a virus or respiratory infection
If you notice any of the signs or symptoms listed above, your child should visit the pediatrician for lung function tests. These tests can determine whether your child has asthma, and the severity of your child’s asthma. Your child’s asthma treatment options may include:
- Long-term control medications including inhaled corticosteroids, leukotriene modifiers, combination inhalers, and theophylline
- Quick-relief rescue medications including oral or IV corticosteroids, short-acting beta agonists, and ipratropium
You can do a lot to help prevent your child having an asthma attack. You should:
- Limit your child’s exposure to allergy or asthma triggers
- Don’t let people smoke around your child
- Encourage regular physical activity to help your child’s lungs
- Schedule regular doctor visits to monitor your child’s asthma
- Help your child avoid excessive weight gain
You can also modify your child’s environment at home. You should:
- Vacuum frequently, or consider hard flooring
- Wash pillowcases and sheets regularly
- Use hypoallergenic sheets and pillowcases
- Keep pets off furniture and out of your child’s bedroom
- Install a HEPA filter in your child’s bedroom
Want To Know More?
To discover more about treatment options for pediatric asthma, talk with the experts. Call the doctors at Horizon Pediatrics & Primary Care. Contact us for an appointment in Thornton, CO, at (720) 929-8300, in Longmont, CO, at (303) 224-4711, and in Denver, CO, at (720) 489-1111.