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Struggling to breathe can be scary at any age, but especially for young children (and their caregivers). With nearly five million kids and teens in the United States suffering from asthma, it's a situation many know all too well.
Fortunately, there are steps families can take to help prevent or reduce asthma symptom flares and complications.
Getting state-of-the-art care for all your child’s pediatric physical and behavioral health care needs, including asthma management, has never been easier or more convenient thanks to our 10 Angel Kids Pediatrics offices in Jacksonville, Amelia Island, and Saint Johns, Florida.
In addition to routine care like well-child check ups and sick visits, our skilled pediatric specialists treat a wide range of conditions from allergies and sleep disorders to anxiety, ADHD, and more.
Understanding asthma
Asthma is the most common chronic health condition in children. It occurs when the airways narrow, swell, and make an excessive amount of mucus, in response to a trigger of some kind.
Asthma can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness
- Congestion
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing
Such symptom flares tend to be more common in cold air or during exercise. Asthma can also lead to trouble sleeping, fatigue, breathing issues during physical activity, and delayed recovery after respiratory infections.
Ways to prevent asthma complications
The good news is that asthma problems can often be reduced or prevented with habits like:
1. Limiting exposure to triggers
Allergens and irritants can cause asthma symptoms. Common triggers to avoid include dust, pollen, mold, animals, and cleaning products. Cigarette smoke and vape chemicals are particularly problematic for kids with asthma, and can result in permanent lung damage.
2. Staying healthy
Help your child maintain a healthy weight, as being overweight can make asthma symptoms worse. Encourage physical activity as long as their asthma is under control; regular exercise can help the lungs work more efficiently.
3. Heading off possible health problems
Acid reflux or heartburn can make asthma worse, so make sure such conditions are treated properly. Ensure your child gets a flu vaccination each year, too, as having asthma can increase the risk of serious complications.
4. Taking medications responsibly
If preventive asthma medication is part of your child’s asthma action plan, be sure they take it as prescribed — even when they’re feeling well and not having asthma symptom flares.
5. Seeing a doctor regularly
As children grow and develop, their asthma may change — so regular medical check-ups are key. Assessing how often they have to use their quick-relief inhaler can also help gauge how successfully the condition is controlled, or if it’s time to schedule a visit to get checked out.
Your partner in pediatric health
Whether you suspect your child may be having asthma symptoms, or they’ve already been diagnosed, our specialists at Angel Kids Pediatrics can provide treatment and support. Call or click online to schedule a visit at your nearest office in Jacksonville, Amelia Island or Saint Johns, Florida, today.