ASHTMA

Asthma affects as many as 6.2 million children under the age of 18. As a parent, watching your child struggle to breathe because of asthma can be overwhelming. At Yeled Shalom Pediatrics, our pediatrician, Eliézer Hernández, MD, PA, and his pediatric team offer comprehensive care for children suffering from asthma. Our team offers on-site diagnostics and long-term treatment plans in order to provide your child with the care they need to enjoy life without the symptoms and restrictions of asthma. Call our office in Eagle Pass today or book an appointment online to provide your child with the care they deserve.

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic condition or disease that makes it difficult for air to move in and out of your lungs because your airways narrow and swell and may produce extra mucus due to inflammation. This can make breathing difficult and trigger coughing, a whistling sound (wheezing) when you breathe out and shortness of breath. Asthma may be simply a minor condition but for some children, asthma can be a major problem that interferes with their daily activities and may lead to a life-threatening asthma attack.

If your family has a history of asthma and allergies, your child may be at an increased risk for developing asthma. It is also possible for your child to develop asthma if they experience frequent infections in their upper respiratory system, after being exposed to various allergies (such as dust or mold), or from exertion during physical activity.

If you think your child may have asthma or if your child exhibits any of the symptoms listed below, call Yeled Shalom Pediatric Clinic today or book your appointment online.

What are the symptoms of asthma?

Symptoms of asthma can range from mild to severe. If your child experiences any of the following symptoms of asthma, your child may have asthma and should be seen by a medical professional for proper diagnosis and treatment, if necessary:

  • Coughing, especially at night or in the morning

  • Wheezing, a whistling sound when you breathe

  • Shortness of breath

  • Tightness, pain, or pressure in your chest

  • Trouble sleeping because of breathing problems

Not all children with asthma experience the same symptoms or have the same symptoms in the same way or at similar times. Your child may not have all of these symptoms, or they may have one or some of these symptoms at different times. Symptoms of asthma may also vary from one asthma attack to the next, being mild during one and severe during another.

Some children with asthma may go for long periods without experiencing any symptoms. Others might show symptoms of asthma every day. In addition, some children may have asthma only during exercise or with viral infections like colds.

Mild asthma attacks are generally more common when the airways are restricted or inflamed for a short period time, but then the airways open up within a few minutes to a few hours. Severe attacks are less common but are more prolonged and require medical help right away. It is important to recognize and treat even mild asthma symptoms in your child to help you prevent severe episodes and keep asthma under better control.

If you think your child may have asthma or if your child exhibits any symptoms of asthma, please schedule an appointment with pediatrician, Eliézer Hernández, as soon as possible.

How is asthma diagnosed?

At Yeled Shalom Pediatric Clinic, Dr. Eliézer Hernández does in-office diagnostic testing for asthma. He will initially perform a physical exam of your child’s overall health and review any symptoms to determine if breathing issues are related to asthma or might be related to allergies. 

A simple test, known as a spirometry, is useful for evaluating shortness of breath and other breathing difficulties. The test requires that your child blows into a device that measures how much air their lungs can hold and how fast your child can inhale and exhale.

Because asthma can be impacted by allergies, Dr. Eliézer Hernández may also recommend allergy testing to better understand and treat your child’s condition. 

What treatments are available for asthma?

Unfortunately there is no cure for asthma. However, treatments are available to help manage your child’s symptoms, prevent severe asthma attacks and prevent long-term health complications. Dr. Eliézer Hernández may prescribe a treatment plan including daily medications to prevent asthma attacks. Your child may also need to use inhaled medications when necessary in order to reduce airway inflammation. Additional treatment options for allergy-induced asthma may also be necessary in order to help your child avoid triggers.

Whatever your child’s specific condition, our team at Yeled Shalom Pediatrics will work closely with you and your child to develop a treatment plan that provides optimal symptom management.

If your child has previously been diagnosed with asthma or if your child is experiencing any symptoms of asthma, call Yeled Shalom Pediatrics today or book an appointment online to give your child the comprehensive care they deserve for their chronic asthma condition.