Understanding Asthma in Children: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

The first time your child has an asthma attack can be a harrowing experience. Seeing your kid struggling to breathe terrifies every parent. If your child experiences or is at risk for asthma, you need to know everything about it. You need to know the causes and symptoms and how to manage them. TLC Pediatrics is a patient-centered pediatrician serving Norwalk, CT. We are here to help you understand your child’s asthma and equip you with the knowledge and tools to manage it.

Causes Of Asthma

We still don’t fully understand what causes asthma, although we know that genetics increases the risk. You should look out for signs of asthma if you or a family member has displayed symptoms before. The reason for asthma’s existence might be a mystery, but how it operates isn't. Asthma causes your bronchial tubes to become inflamed and narrow. “Bronchial tubes” is the medical term for “windpipe,” and refers to the tube air takes between your mouth and lungs. There are two types of asthma, allergic and non-allergic. Allergic asthma is triggered by things like mold or pollen in the air. Non-allergic asthma is triggered by things like disease, stress, or even certain cleaning chemicals in a poorly ventilated space. If you live in the Norwalk, CT, area, our pediatrician will diagnose which form your child suffers from.

Symptoms of Asthma

Asthma’s most famous symptom is the “asthma attack.” During an asthma attack, your child’s windpipe swells and fills with mucus, making breathing difficult. These attacks can be scary but don’t panic. According to the Global Allergies and Airway Patient Platform, only 10% of sufferers worldwide have severe asthma. Also, adults have more aggressive symptoms than children. Your child can avoid serious side effects via proper treatment and management.

Treatment

Asthma is a chronic illness and will never fully go away. However, by learning proper management, your child can go on to live a successful, happy, healthy life. We will likely prescribe an inhaler for your child to keep with them when they experience trouble breathing. Inhaled steroids ease inflammation in the windpipe and provide relief, even during an attack. A daily medication called a “controller” may also be prescribed to reduce the need for an inhaler. Talk to us to set up a management plan and discuss additional medication.

Schedule An Appointment

Watching your child suffer from asthma is scary, but with proper management and treatment, it doesn’t have to stop them from enjoying life. If your child displays signs of asthma, schedule an appointment to talk to our pediatrician at TLC Pediatrics in Norwalk, CT. Call (203) 855-7551 and breathe easier today.