Asthma

What is asthma?

Asthma is a long-lasting lung condition that affects your child’s ability to breathe. The condition begins when the airways become inflamed. Along with inflammation and swelling, the airways produce extra mucus, and the muscles around the airways tighten. These changes narrow the airways, making it hard for your child to breathe air into their lungs.

What triggers asthma?

The inflamed airways become more sensitive to a wide range of substances that trigger an asthma attack. When an asthma attack occurs, the swelling, tightening, and mucus in your child’s airways suddenly get worse.

Some of the most common asthma triggers include:

• Pollen
• Dust mites
• Animal dander
• Mold spores
• Cold air
• Stress
• Second-hand tobacco smoke
• Respiratory infections (common cold or flu)

Many children with asthma also have a flare-up when they exercise. Their symptoms typically appear within 5-10 minutes of starting to exercise or right after they stop the activity.

What symptoms develop due to asthma?

Most children have few, if any, symptoms between flare-ups. During an attack, they experience one or more of the following:

• Chest tightness or pain
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing (whistling sound)
• Coughing
• Fast heartbeat
• Trouble breathing

Your child can have a mild asthma flare-up one time and then a severe attack the next.

How is asthma diagnosed?

Asthma is diagnosed with Pulmonary Function Tests. These tests are done by a pulmonologist. Although the team offer comprehensive treatment for minor or mild asthma exacerbations at Cali Kids, they do not perform confirmatory testing. If your child is having a severe attack please call 911. 

During the test, your child simply breathes into a spirometer. The device measures how much air they can breathe in and out and how quickly they can blow air out of their lungs.

How is asthma treated?

Dr. Glenn customizes each child’s asthma treatment. However, a comprehensive treatment plan includes:

Identifying and avoiding triggers

Dr. Glenn helps you identify what is triggering your child’s asthma attacks and gives you suggestions for eliminating or avoiding the triggers.

Asthma action plan

It’s important to create a plan that tells teachers and caregivers what to do when your child has an asthma attack.

Quick-relief medicine

Dr. Glenn prescribes an inhaler that contains quick-acting medication. When your child has a flare-up, they use the inhaler, and the medication rapidly opens their airways.

Long-term asthma control medications

Your child may need to take daily medications that reduce the severity of their symptoms and prevent future attacks.

If your child needs prompt relief from asthma, you can walk in to Cali Kids Urgent Care without an appointment. You can also schedule an appointment; call or use the online booking feature today.