June 18, 1999
by Sandra Perez-McCraw, M.D.
Asthma affects more than 11 million people of all ages and is on the rise among children. It is one of the most common reasons kids stay home from school or miss summer activities. That is why it is important to visit your doctor if you think your child might have asthma.
Asthma is a lung disease that can make breathing difficult. It can begin at any age. Although asthma cannot be cured, it can be controlled with medication. Childhood asthma can be mild to severe. A severe attack usually requires immediate medical care.
Signs, Symptoms and Treatment of Asthma
A child with asthma will often have a constant cough that is worse at night. Sometimes wheezing or whistling sound can be heard while the child is breathing. Shortness of breath and feelings of tightness in the chest may also occur. Infants with asthma will often be cranky, have a bad cough, fast breathing and their chests may be heaving.
The most important thing you can do to control your child's asthma is to visit your family doctor or pediatrician. Your doctor will give your child a complete medical checkup and may also perform a breathing test called a "pulmonary function test" to learn about your child's condition.
After the checkup is finished, your doctor will recommend what to do. The treatment will include asthma medicine. With mild asthma, the medication is usually used only when symptoms are present. For severe asthma, medication must be used daily.
Asthma often runs in families. Childhood asthma is frequently associated with allergies, the causes of which are called "allergens." Indoor allergens such as dust mites, molds, roaches and household pets are common causes of asthma. Outdoor allergens can include grass, pollen and trees, while environmental triggers include air pollution like smog and second-hand cigarette smoke. Sometimes it is necessary to take your child to an allergy doctor to identify what he or she is allergic to. Some causes like indoor allergens, can be modified by changing your living space.
Next week, Dr. Perez-McCraw will offer her advice to parents seeking help for their asthmatic child.
Sandra Perez-McGraw, M.D. has an
office in National City and is a participating physician for Community
Health Group. She is a graduate of the University of Michigan
School of Medicine and has been practicing pediatric medicine
for 10 years. For more information about asthma and how to life
with it, please call Community Health Group's Preventive Services
Department at (619) 498-6429.
La Dra. Sandra Perez-McCraw, cuyo consultorio se encuentra localizado en National City, pertenece al grupo de doctores de Community Health Group. La Dra. Perez-McCraw se graduó en la Escuela de Medicina de la Universidad de Michigan y ha practicado medicina pediátrica por 10 años. Para información acerca del asma y de cómo vivir con esta enfermedad, por favor llame al Departamento de Servicios Preventivos de Community Health Group al (619) 498-6429.
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