Asthma

For some children, the effects of asthma can be a minor annoyance. For others, they can be a life-threatening emergency. The team at Galaxy Pediatrics, which has offices in Red Oak and Plano, Texas, has extensive experience in treating young patients who are suffering from asthma and allergic asthma. To schedule an asthma consultation for your child, call Galaxy Pediatrics or request one online today. 

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic disease of the airways that causes persistent inflammation in the bronchial tubes. When something triggers asthma symptoms, the airways narrow, swell, and produce excessive mucus, which restricts the airflow in and out of the lungs. The severity of asthmatic symptoms can greatly vary from person to person.

What are the symptoms of asthma?

Some of the symptoms that your child might experience during an asthma attack include:

• difficulty breathing
• coughing
• wheezing
• shortness of breath
• chest tightness
• trouble sleeping

If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms at any severity, you should book a consultation with the team at Galaxy Pediatrics to discuss treatment options.

Can my child’s allergies affect their asthma?

Depending on the person, a number of factors — including a respiratory infection (like the common cold), physical activity (exercise-induced asthma), cold air, strong emotions, and certain medications like beta blockers or aspirin — can trigger an asthma attack.

The most common form of asthma, however, is allergic asthma, or allergy-induced asthma. This is asthma that’s triggered when your child inhales certain allergens, eats certain foods that they’re allergic to, or when their skin comes into contact with an allergen.

Allergens are harmless substances, such as pollen, mold, pet dander, or dust mites, that certain people’s immune systems mistakenly identify as harmful. When this happens, the immune system tries to protect the body by triggering it to release antibodies that bind to the allergen. The release of those antibodies produces allergy symptoms, like a runny nose or itchy eyes. For some people, this process can also induce an asthma attack.

What treatments address asthma?

There is no cure for asthma, but the team at Galaxy Pediatrics can prescribe a number of treatment options that can significantly reduce and prevent future asthma attacks, greatly improving your child’s quality of life.

The effects, severity, and triggers for asthma can change over time, so it’s important to have the team at Galaxy Pediatrics regularly track your child’s symptoms and update their treatment when needed.

To schedule an appointment for your child, call Galaxy Pediaitrics or request an appointment online today.