Asthma in Children: Symptoms, Management, and Treatment Options

Quality Child Healthcare in Texas

Four experienced and skilled pediatric doctors and four nurse practitioners direct The Pediatric Clinic in Mount Pleasant, TX, and see children daily for asthma, various childhood illnesses, chronic and acute conditions, and mental health issues that affect behaviors. Our doctors are here today to discuss asthma, a common health issue among children. They will describe this condition, its symptoms, treatment options, and how to manage it.

What is Asthma?

The Pediatric Clinic in Mount Pleasant, TX, explains that when your child’s airways tend to narrow and swell due to increased mucus build-up, they may have asthma. Asthma causes difficulty getting air into and out of the lungs. 

Asthmatic episodes can be intermittent or persistent. Allergic toxins or non-allergic toxins in a child’s environment are only one trigger causing asthmatic episodes.  

Asthma has no age or cultural distinction, so adults and children alike can develop asthma that is not curable. However, we can manage and control asthmatic episodes so that the child may rarely, if ever, suffer from an asthmatic attack.

Causes

• Smoke
• Environmental allergens like fresh-cut grass, chemicals, perfumes
• Specific foods and beverages
• Additives, preservatives, and food dyes
• Pet dander
• Over-exertion
• Stress
• Acute Illnesses

Common Symptoms

When your child comes in contact with an allergen, has an emotional upset, over-exertion, increased stress, or acute illness, they could experience an asthmatic attack with the following symptoms.

• Thick excess mucus in the lungs
• Bronchospasm
• Inflammation
• A panic attack
• Anxiety
• Chest pressure or pain
• Difficulty talking
• Pale skin, excessive sweating
• Rapid breathing

Treatment Options

Determining the cause of asthmatic attacks in your child may take some research, especially if you suspect allergies. Our provider may recommend referral for allergy testing to determine which allergen causes your child's asthmatic attacks. Depending on the type of asthma your child has determines a course of treatment. Standard treatment options include:

• Bronchodilators (rescue inhalers) such as Albuterol
• Anti-inflammatory medicines
• Metered-dose inhalers
• Nebulizers.
• One of many asthma-preventative inhalers, oral tablets or liquids
• Referral for allergen testing

Call Us Today for Your Child’s Asthmatic Appointment

If you seek an experienced, skilled pediatric doctor, call The Pediatric Clinic at 903-572-9823 in Mount Pleasant, TX, to schedule your child’s initial asthma consultation, same-day sick appointment, milestone visit, or school and sports physicals.

We are a group of proactive physicians who try to prevent illnesses and disease processes from taking over your child’s life. Call today to get answers about childhood asthma. We would like to provide exceptional child healthcare for your children.