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Asthma and allergies can make it hard for kids to enjoy an active, healthy, and carefree life. In the hands of a skilled practitioner like Ijeoma Oguagha, MD, of Bread of Life Pediatrics in Houston, Texas, kids can find relief from asthma and allergy symptoms, and enjoy their lives. When you’re ready to learn more, booking a visit is as easy as a quick phone call or a few moments online, so don’t delay.
Asthma & Allergies Q&A
What is asthma and what are the symptoms?
Asthma is a chronic health condition in which your airways become inflamed and narrowed, making it hard to move air in and out of your lungs. The condition often develops during childhood, and symptoms can range from mildly annoying to debilitating.
Some of the signs of childhood asthma include:
- Wheezing sounds, especially when breathing out
- Frequent coughing
- Slow recovery after respiratory infections
- Fatigue
- Sleep disruption
- Chest tightness or congestion
- Shortness of breath
If you notice these changes in your child, schedule a visit at Bread of Life Pediatrics to see if asthma might be to blame.
How do pediatric asthma and allergies develop?
Allergies develop when your body launches a strong immune response to a substance that’s not normally harmful to humans. Many different substances can trigger an allergic reaction, including:
- Pet dander
- Pollen
- Soy
- Shellfish
- Cigarette smoke
- Household chemicals
- Dust mites
- Insect stings
Kids who experience allergies often find it hard to focus on learning and playing due to symptoms like a stuffy or runny nose, swelling, and shortness of breath. For some, a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylactic shock is a life-threatening result of being exposed to a particular allergen.
Researchers are uncertain of the exact cause of asthma but believe a combination of genetic and environmental factors are to blame.
What are some treatment options for asthma and allergies?
The first step is a thorough diagnostic work-up. Your child’s practitioner will discuss their symptoms in-depth to get a better understanding of your child’s condition.
Asthma
In the case of asthma, listening to your child’s breathing is also a helpful diagnostic tool. A test called spirometry measures how much air your little one can move in and out of their airways. Treatment options include medication to help open their airways. There are immediate relief options as well as longer-term drug therapy. Learning to avoid allergens is also important.
Allergies
In the case of allergies, testing involves exposing your child’s skin to a minute volume of common allergens and then checking for redness or swelling. This helps determine which specific allergens are causing symptoms. A popular treatment is called immunotherapy and works by administering diluted allergens via small injections, which builds up tolerance over time.
When you rely on Bread of Life Pediatrics for care for asthma or allergies, your child is in great hands. Book a visit online or call today.