Childhood Asthma

Childhood Asthma in Los Gatos, CA 

Asthma is a respiratory condition affecting over six million children in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms of asthma include difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, and wheezing. These symptoms can make it difficult for kids to participate in certain activities or get a restful night’s sleep. 

The experienced physicians at LG Pediatrics in Los Gatos, CA can develop an individualized treatment plan to help your child manage asthma symptoms.

Make an appointment for your child with their experienced team, Dr. Belinda Milford, Dr. Iris Li, or Dr. Joseph Gali at (408) 358-2624.

Asthma Symptoms

One of the most recognized symptoms of asthma is difficulty breathing, but many other symptoms can occur, as well. Children with asthma could experience any of the following symptoms:

  • Labored or rapid breathing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Pain or tightness in the chest
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Chronic cough or frequent, uncontrolled spells of coughing
  • Wheezing in the chest
  • Feelings of weakness, fatigue, and less energy during play

Many factors can trigger asthma symptoms to flare up. Common asthma triggers include exercise, the weather, allergies, certain foods or medications, and being around smokers. Having a cold, sinus infection, the flu, or other respiratory conditions can also aggravate asthma symptoms. Avoiding known triggers and irritants could help reduce your child’s asthma flare ups.

Asthma varies in intensity and shows up differently in each child. Have your child evaluated if they show any of these symptoms. Asthma can begin at any age, but children with the condition display symptoms by age 5.

Treatments for Managing Asthma

Asthma does not go away so it is important to seek treatment. The skilled pediatricians at our office can recommend specific treatments to help control your child’s asthma symptoms. With the right treatment plan, your child can experience more restful sleep and enjoy participating in sports and other activities.

The right treatment for your child can depend on what specific factors tend to trigger symptoms. If allergies usually cause an asthma flare up, then treating the allergies through sublingual immunotherapy or another method might be part of your child’s treatment plan. Getting the allergies under control should also reduce associated asthma symptoms. Other options for treating asthma include portable inhalers and prescription medications. Our knowledgeable physicians can discuss various treatment options with you.

Asthma Q & A

What puts a child at risk of developing asthma?

Children are often at risk of developing asthma if others in the family have it. Other risk factors include:

  • Nasal allergies or eczema
  • Low birth weight
  • Black or Puerto-Rican ethnicity
  • Exposure to secondhand smoke
  • Children from lower income environments

How is asthma diagnosed?

The doctors at LG Pediatrics consider your child’s entire medical history and symptoms. You, the parent, and your child must describe in detail the symptoms that raise concern, including any wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest pain.

A lung X-ray and a simple lung function test, known as spirometry, also help the doctors diagnose asthma. Spirometry provides a measure of the amount of air that’s present in the lungs and how fast it’s exhaled.

How is asthma treated?

The doctors at LG Pediatrics will help you identify the triggers for your child’s asthma so you can avoid them as much as possible. Certain medications – both inhaled and oral – also help children manage their symptoms.

You’ll receive a written plan that explains warning signs and what to do when symptoms start. This plan is helpful to have at home, and to provide to a school nurse and any other caregivers, so your child is always protected.

What does medical management of asthma entail?

The goal of managing asthma is to help your child enjoy an active and normal life. The doctors at LG Pediatrics want to prevent your child from missing school days due to asthma and to avoid asthma symptoms at night. Long-term control with medications and management can prevent chronic, troublesome symptoms that interfere with daily activities and sports .

Dosage of asthma medications may need to be adjusted with the seasons – if seasonal allergies are a trigger – and as your child ages. This can help reduce the number of urgent care visits and keep your child feeling good year round.

We can help your child manage asthma symptoms. Schedule an appointment with a pediatrician to discuss treatment options by calling LG Pediatrics in our Los Gatos, CA office at (408) 358-2624.

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