What You Need to Know About Childhood Asthma

Asthma is a respiratory disease which impacts the lifestyles and well-being of millions of Americans. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America says 8.3 percent of children in the United States have asthma, and as such, school days, sporting activities and more are missed. Is your child asthmatic? At Mundelein Pediatrics in Grayslake, IL, asthma treatment takes top priority with our six pediatricians and their caring staff. Learn how they can help your child breathe well and function at his or her best.

What is asthma?

It's an inflammation of the airway which causes constriction, mucous production and characteristic wheezing, coughing and fatigue. Attacks can be sudden, brought on by triggers such as:

• Cold weather
• Exercise
• Allergens such as pet dander, pollen, dust and more
• Environmental pollution
• Cigarette smoke
• A cold or the flu
• Stress and anxiety

Diagnosis and treatment

Symptoms and the results of a lung function test (spirometry) tell your Grayslake pediatrician if your child has asthma. Treatment includes careful monitoring of symptoms, including something called peak flow. Measured with a handheld spirometer, peak flow predicts if your child is taking in and blowing out sufficient air and if air exchange is increasing or decreasing. These numbers help determine the use of medications and how they are delivered.

Typical control medications include inhaled or nebulized corticosteroids to reduce lung inflammation. Rescue medications for sudden, acute attacks are also available.

Your pediatrician will help you formulate an asthma action plan to identify, track and manage your youngster's symptoms, minimizing sick days, improving oxygenation and reducing the need for rescue medications. It's a plan you should share with teachers, the school nurse, caregivers, coaches or other people who interact with your child on a daily basis.

What's the future?

It's bright when your child's doctor at Mundelein Pediatrics in Grayslake, IL helps you and your child stay on top of asthma and its symptoms. If you think your child may have asthma, or if you need help in gaining better control of your youngster's respiratory function, please contact us (847) 548-7337.