Signs Your Child May Have Asthma

It’s important to know the warning signs so you can act fast.

Asthma is one of the most common chronic illnesses in children here in the US. Despite being quite common, we shouldn’t ignore the fact that asthma can be dangerous and even life-threatening (particularly if it isn’t properly controlled); however, it isn’t always as easy as you might think to detect asthma symptoms in your child. Here are the warning signs that should bring your child in to visit our Westchase, FL, pediatrician Dr. Raj Pai for an evaluation:

• Wheezing or whistling when breathing in
• Difficulty breathing
• Chest tightness and/or pain
• Frequent coughing (that often gets worse at night)
• Easily tired or fatigued after exercise or physical activity

Some children may have difficulty sleeping due to chest tightness or wheezing. You may also find that these symptoms intensify when your little one catches a cold or respiratory infection. In some cases, asthma may also hinder your child’s ability to play sports or be involved in more strenuous activities without feeling easily winded or having trouble catching their breath.

Since symptoms do vary greatly, it’s important that if your child is displaying any of these asthma symptoms (no matter how minor they may seem) that you call our Westchase, FL, pediatrician right away.

Treating Asthma in Children and Teens

As you might imagine, the sooner we treat your child’s asthma the better, as we can help your little one control not just day-to-day symptoms but also prevent future asthma attacks. The overall goals of asthma treatment are to lessen and even prevent the frequency and severity of asthma attacks, reduce and even eliminate day-to-day symptoms and make sure that the medications we prescribe are managing their symptoms effectively enough to enjoy activities and exercise without issue.

There are a couple of ways in which we will help your little one treat their asthma. First and foremost, we will prescribe a long-term controlled medication that will be used every day to reduce inflammation within the airways to prevent attacks. We will also give your child a fast-acting medication for when asthma attacks flare up, as the long-term controlled medication will not be able to treat attacks once they start. This fast-acting medication is only to be used when your child feels the symptoms of an attack coming on.

Clearwater Pediatric Care provides general and urgent health care to children and teens in the Clearwater and Westchase, FL, areas. Whether your child is displaying symptoms of asthma or you need to discuss better treatment options to control your child’s asthma, call (727) 461-1543 or (813) 818-1543 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Pai.