Asthma and Allergies

In this article, we will explore what allergic asthma is, what common allergens trigger allergic asthma, and the symptoms to watch for in your child. We’ll delve into effective treatment options, including medications and allergy shots designed to control symptoms and reduce the impact of asthma triggers.

At Bootin and Savrick Pediatric Associates, we specialize in pediatric care and provide asthma management for many of our patients. If your child is experiencing symptoms of allergic asthma or if you have any concerns, we invite you to schedule an appointment with us. Together, we can create a personalized plan to ensure your child receives the best possible care in Houston, Texas.

Understanding Childhood Asthma

Childhood asthma is a common condition where the airways in the lungs become inflamed and narrow, making breathing difficult for a child. This can lead to frequent coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath, otherwise known as an asthma attack.

Asthma attacks can vary in severity, from mild to severe, and may require immediate medical intervention to help open up the airways and restore normal breathing. Prompt recognition and treatment of asthma attacks are crucial to managing the condition effectively and preventing complications.

Managing childhood asthma effectively can prevent severe asthma attacks. With proper care and management, most children with asthma lead full, active lives.

What Causes Allergic Asthma?

Allergy-induced asthma (also called allergic asthma) is primarily caused by exposure to allergens that trigger an immune response in the body. When a child with allergic asthma encounters these allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mold, or certain foods, their immune system overreacts. This overreaction leads to inflammation and swelling in the airways of the lungs, making it difficult to breathe.

Recognizing Asthma Symptoms in Children

Recognizing the symptoms of asthma early can help manage the condition and prevent severe asthma attacks. Here are the key symptoms to watch for:

Persistent Coughing: One of the most common signs of asthma in children is a persistent cough. This cough often worsens at night or early in the morning and may be the first sign of asthma.
Wheezing: Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound made while breathing out. If your child is wheezing, it means their airways are narrowed, making it harder to breathe.
Shortness of Breath: Children with asthma may have trouble catching their breath, especially after physical activity or during a respiratory infection. They may complain of feeling breathless or that their chest feels tight.
Chest Tightness: Some children describe asthma as feeling like someone is squeezing or sitting on their chest. This tightness can make it hard for them to take a deep breath.
Fatigue: When children struggle to breathe, they often become tired more easily. This fatigue can affect their playtime, school activities, and overall energy levels.
Trouble Sleeping: Asthma symptoms often worsen at night, leading to trouble sleeping. If your child is waking up frequently due to coughing or difficulty breathing, asthma could be the cause.

If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with us for a thorough evaluation and personalized care plan.

Common Childhood Allergies Associated with Asthma

Asthma and allergies often go hand in hand, and understanding the common allergens can help you manage your child’s asthma effectively. Here are some common childhood allergies that are associated with asthma:

Dust Mites: These tiny creatures live in house dust and are a common trigger for both allergies and asthma.
Pollen: Pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds is a major asthma trigger and can make asthma symptoms worse.
Pet Dander: Proteins found in the skin flakes, urine, and saliva of pets can trigger allergies and asthma.
Mold: Mold spores in the air can trigger allergic reactions and asthma symptoms. Mold is commonly found in damp areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.
Cockroach Droppings: Proteins found in cockroach droppings and saliva can trigger allergies and asthma.
Smoke and Strong Odors: While not allergens themselves, smoke (from tobacco or wood) and strong odors (like perfumes or cleaning products) can irritate the airways and trigger asthma symptoms. Reducing exposure to these irritants can help to manage asthma more effectively.

How is Allergic Asthma Diagnosed?

Healthcare providers diagnose asthma by assessing symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness, particularly in relation to exposure to allergens like pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mold, or certain foods.

A thorough physical exam includes listening for wheezing and assessing lung function. Diagnosing asthma in most pediatric patients is mainly done by history and physical exam.

In some older patients, specific testing, usually by a pediatric pulmonologist, may involve spirometry to measure lung function and peak flow measurement to assess airflow. Allergy testing often helps identify specific allergens triggering asthma symptoms.

If allergic asthma is suspected, a trial of asthma medications—such as inhaled corticosteroids or other maintenance or rescue medications—may be initiated to observe symptom response. Regular monitoring and adjustment of treatment ensure effective management.

Treatment for Allergic Asthma

Managing allergic asthma effectively involves a combination of treatments to reduce exposure to asthma triggers and control symptoms.

Avoiding Asthma Triggers: The first step in managing allergic asthma is to identify and avoid asthma triggers. This may involve keeping the home free of dust mites, using air purifiers, avoiding pets, and staying indoors during high pollen seasons.
Medications: Several medications can help control allergic asthma:
- Inhaled Corticosteroids: These are the most common and effective long-term control medications. They reduce inflammation in the airways, making them less sensitive to asthma triggers.
- Leukotriene Modifiers: These medications help prevent asthma symptoms by blocking the action of leukotrienes, chemicals in the immune system that contribute to inflammation and asthma symptoms.
- Long-acting beta Agonists: These are often used in combination with inhaled corticosteroids to help keep airways open.
Quick-Relief Inhalers: Also known as rescue inhalers, these provide immediate relief during an asthma attack by quickly relaxing the muscles around the airways. They are essential for managing sudden symptoms and severe allergic asthma attacks.
Allergy Shots (Immunotherapy): For children with severe allergic asthma, allergy shots can be a helpful treatment. These shots gradually desensitize the immune system to specific allergens, reducing the severity of allergic reactions and asthma symptoms over time.

Taking Control of Allergic Asthma

At Bootin and Savrick Pediatric Associates, we are committed to helping your child manage their asthma effectively. With the right combination of treatments and strategies, your child can lead a healthy, active life free from the limitations of asthma.

If you have concerns about your child’s asthma, schedule an appointment with us for expert care and support. Our offices are conveniently located in the Greater Houston, TX, area.

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