Pediatric asthma is not something that any parent wants their child to have to live with. If it is diagnosed, Dr. Albert Holloway of Payne and Holloway Pediatrics in Montgomery, AL is an experienced pediatrician who can help you and your child with tips for management and prevention.
To understand how to manage and even prevent pediatric asthma, you need to understand what asthma is. Asthma is a chronic inflammation of the airways that makes it difficult to breathe. It can be life-threatening if it is not managed properly. It is quite a common condition among children, and it is estimated that more than eight percent of children suffer from asthma in the United States.
Pediatric Asthma Management in Montgomery, Al
The proper treatment plan must be formulated for your child to reduce the incidents of asthma attacks. With the right plan, your child should be able to live a normal life. Medication is the primary way to manage pediatric asthma. The most common type of medicine for asthma in children is inhaled corticosteroids. This medication needs to be taken every day. For some children, it will be in pill form.
More than one type of corticosteroid is available. The doctor will allow between four and six weeks for the medication to work. If the desired results are not achieved, another one may be tried. In addition, an emergency rescue inhaler needs to be carried at all times in the event of an acute attack where the child is having difficulty breathing.
Children with severe asthma may require additional medication to manage their asthma. Doctors have many options available and will work to come up with the correct combination.
Some children may outgrow their pediatric asthma, but medication should never be discontinued without the approval of your pediatrician.
Preventing Pediatric Asthma
Studies are ongoing by the NIH that seem to suggest that dust, which contains things that can trigger an allergy attack such as dust mites, mold, and pet dander, may also help protect children from asthma. It seems that babies who are exposed to dust, tend to be less likely to develop asthma than those who are not exposed.
Knowing what your child's triggers are can help to control asthma attacks. While asthma can not be cured, it can be controlled by limiting exposure to irritants and treating allergies.
Dr. Albert Holloway of Payne and Holloway Pediatrics has years of experience with all the illnesses that children face, including asthma in Montgomery, AL, and can provide tips for prevention and management. Give our office a call at (334) 244-7209 today to make an appointment.