Also serving the communities of De Luz, Rainbow, Camp Pendleton, Pala and Pauma

Breathing easier

Over 10 million children have been diagnosed with asthma in the United States and 7 million children still have asthma. Boys are more often diagnosed with asthma than girls, and non-Hispanic Black children were the most likely to ever have been diagnosed with asthma. There is no cure for asthma but there are effective treatments and some children will outgrow their asthma. As such, it is important that parents be proactive in preventing,

managing and alleviating their child's asthma symptoms.

Although asthma attacks can be very serious, there are many ways to prevent and control symptoms. Engage with your child's physician to establish a personalized asthma management plan. Your child's written asthma management plan should describe medications and measures to take to ensure that asthma interferes with your child's daily life as little as possible.

Every child's asthma triggers and symptoms are unique. Common asthma triggers include upper respiratory infections, mold or pollen, pet dander, dust mites, air pollution and tobacco smoke, strong perfume and cleaning products, changes in air temperature and exercise. Medications that are used for asthma include inhaled corticosteroids, oral leukotriene inhibitors, long and short acting beta-agonists and biologic agents such as anti-IgE.

Allergy-induced asthma

Seventy percent of asthmatics also have allergies. Allergies can trigger asthma symptoms. It's important to know what your child is allergic to and how you can prevent exposure to allergen triggers. Provide an allergen-free environment by using a HEPA filter to capture pollens and mold spores, limiting pet dander, having special dust-proof mattress and pillow covers and washing bed linens weekly in hot water, not letting others smoke in your home or car and avoiding the use of strong scents.

Exercise-induced asthma

All children need exercise to stay healthy. Children with asthma may experience coughing, wheezing, chest tightness or shortness of breath during or after exercise. Exercise induced asthma symptoms can be prevented by allowing your child to use their rescue inhaler before exercise. Exercise induced symptoms can be worse during times of high pollen and pollution levels or when your child has a cold and also if the air outside is cold.

Speak to your child's physician if you have questions about your child's asthma or allergies. If you have questions about finding a pediatric asthma, allergy and immunology specialist in your area, give us a call at 877-885-1246.

 

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