Asthma Specialist

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic lung condition that makes it harder for air to move in and out of the lungs. With asthma, the lungs are more sensitive and become irritated and inflamed by various triggers. These triggers cause narrowing of the airway, making it harder to breathe.

Many environmental exposures may trigger lung inflammation and swelling, such as:

• Allergies 
• Change in weather
• Cold or flu
• Exercise
• Stress
• Smoke
  
  

Though asthma is a chronic condition, you can improve your child’s breathing and quality of life with expert care from the specialists at Pediatric Practitioners of Oklahoma.

What are the symptoms of asthma?

Signs and symptoms of asthma vary and may improve or worsen over time. Common symptoms of asthma in children include:

• Frequent coughing
• Feeling short of breath
• Wheezing sound when breathing out
• Tightness in the chest
• Chest congestion
• Difficulty sleeping
• Fatigue
  
  

Some children with asthma may only have one symptom, such as a lingering cough or chest congestion. If you have concerns about your child’s breathing or an ongoing cough, schedule a consultation at Pediatric Practitioners of Oklahoma.

How is asthma diagnosed?

The children’s health specialists at Pediatric Practitioners of Oklahoma conduct comprehensive evaluations to diagnose asthma. When you come in with concerns about your child’s breathing, your child’s provider asks detailed questions about their symptoms, as well as their medical and family history.

They conduct a physical exam and perform an on-site pulmonary function test. Your child’s provider may also test for allergies, which may play a role in triggering asthma symptoms. 

How is asthma treated?

Treatment for your child’s asthma depends on the severity of their symptoms and their asthma triggers. There’s no cure for asthma, and the providers at Pediatric Practitioners of Oklahoma customize your child’s plan to help you manage their lung condition.

Asthma treatment focuses on preventing an asthma attack and alleviating symptoms when an attack occurs. Your child’s asthma treatment plan may include:

• Limiting exposure to triggers
• Long-term control medications (e.g., inhaled corticosteroids or leukotriene modifiers)
• Quick-relief medications (e.g., short-acting beta-agonists, corticosteroids)
• Allergy medication
  
  

The pediatric specialists also help you develop an asthma action plan. This plan helps you stay on top of your child’s lung condition so you and your provider can make changes to their treatment plan to maintain control and prevent severe, life-threatening asthma attacks.

When needed, Pediatric Practitioners of Oklahoma provides referrals to pulmonary specialists to help improve your child’s asthma.

Call Pediatric Practitioners of Oklahoma, today for expert asthma care.