Pediatric Service
Asthma & Allergies
Asthma and allergies are two chronic conditions that affect many children and teens. At Grossmont Pediatrics, we provide personalized treatment strategies to help each child avoid triggers and know how to respond during an attack.
What is asthma?
Asthma is a chronic disease that occurs when your airways become inflamed and make it difficult for you to breathe. You may also have symptoms like:
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Chest tightness
- Shortness of breath
When these symptoms become severe, you can have an asthma attack. This attack can be life-threatening, especially in children.
How is asthma treated?
The Board-Certified Providers at Grossmont Pediatrics can review your child’s symptoms and may recommend a chest X-ray to confirm an asthma diagnosis.
Treatment for asthma depends on the severity of your child’s condition. Initially, the providers may attempt to identify the triggers that cause asthma attacks. Common triggers include:
- Pollen
- Smoke
- Chemicals
- Dust mites
- Excess stress
- Strenuous exercise
- Changes in the weather
Your providers at Grossmont Pediatrics may work on a plan to help your child avoid asthma triggers to prevent an asthma attack. They may also recommend an as-needed or daily medication to reduce the severity of asthma symptoms.
Your child may need to take oral medications and carry an asthma inhaler. This prescription inhaler is effective at relieving breathing difficulties quickly.
What are allergies?
Allergies are an overreaction of your child’s immune system when your body identifies a substance as harmful. Common allergy triggers include certain foods, medications, mold, pollen, and animal dander.
This overreaction can produce symptoms like:
- Sneezing
- Rashes
- Runny nose
- Watery nose
- Breathing difficulties
Severe allergies can lead to a life-threatening reaction, known as anaphylaxis, where the throat swells and breathing is difficult.
If your child also has asthma, an allergic reaction can also cause a life-threatening situation where it’s difficult for your child to breathe.
How are allergies treated?
Depending on the severity and frequency of your child’s allergy symptoms, your doctor may recommend medications and actively avoiding allergy triggers.
If you’re unsure about the substances your child is allergic to, your doctor may recommend allergy testing. During this testing, your provider introduces your child to various potential allergens by pricking their skin with small amounts of the element to see if they produce a reaction.
In some cases, a child with severe allergies that can result in anaphylaxis may need to carry around emergency medications. The providers can work with you to create an emergency action plan if your child comes into contact with an allergen.
Learn more about treating asthma and allergies by scheduling an appointment online or by calling Grossmont Pediatrics.
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