One of the most diagnosed and treated childhood conditions is asthma. It is a respiratory disorder that affects over 6 million children in the 
U.S. according to the American Lung Association, and is still largely a mystery for doctors and experts as far as the exact causes and triggers. Asthma treatment is a specialty of the doctors at Pediatric Associates of Davidson County in Nashville, TN. You may discover some solutions that you and your child have needed for years.
Is There a Reason for Asthma?
Asthma can be a condition is present soon after birth, or one that starts to become a problem as the child ages. The problem could be caused by environmental influences, such as living in a household where someone smokes cigarettes or in a metropolitan neighborhood with low air quality. Some asthma symptoms can be triggered by allergens, such as pollen, dander, or eating shellfish. In some cases, an asthma attack can happen due to experiencing a stressful or shocking event, which is why you should talk to your child about their time spent outside of the home (school, sports, etc). Ensuring that your child has as peaceful, healthy, and normal a lifestyle as possible at home is also crucial.
Asthma Treatments
An asthma attack is an urgent occurrence that requires immediate treatment. It causes tightening of the chest, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. The most common treatment your Nashville, TN, may prescribe is a fast-acting inhalation medication. Here are a few other possible treatments for asthma:
- Corticosteroids (delivered through an inhaler or IV).
- Lung function tests.
- Sublingual Immunotherapy
Asthma Tips for Young Patients
It can be more difficult to control asthma symptoms in young children because they are not always aware of the triggers. A wise course of action is to do everything possible to ensure a healthy environment for your child and also make others aware of the child’s condition. Here are a few simple tips:
- Manage the humidity in your home with an air conditioner or dehumidifier.
- Keep windows closed to reduce exposure to pollen.
- Teach your child breathing exercises suggested by your Nashville, TN, pediatrician to help improve lung function.
- Clean your home thoroughly to get rid of hair and dander.
- Keep your child’s head and mouth covered in colder temperatures.
Work with Your Child’s Pediatrician
It can be a challenge keeping your child’s asthma symptoms in check, which is why it’s best to work closely with your pediatrician for necessary medications, therapies, and ongoing treatments. Call (615) 329-3595 today to schedule an appointment with a doctor at Pediatric Associates of Davidson County in Nashville, TN.
