Asthma And Allergies
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Sierra Pacific Pediatric Associates
Pediatricians located in Fontana, CA & Eastvale, CA
Asthma and allergies are two different disorders that can make it difficult for your child to get through the day. In some cases, both of these disorders can even be life-threatening. The physicians at Sierra Pacific Pediatric Associates can diagnose asthma and allergies and develop an effective treatment plan for patients of all ages. To make an appointment, please contact the office in Eastvale or Fontana, California, today.
Asthma and Allergies Q & A
What is asthma?
Asthma is a respiratory condition that occurs when your child’s airways swell and produce extra mucus. If your child has asthma, they may experience a variety of symptoms, including:
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Trouble sleeping
- Chest tightness or pain
For many children, these symptoms get worse at night or with activity. Seasonal allergies may also make the symptoms of asthma worse. Many children experience mild symptoms only, but asthma attacks can be fatal in severe cases.
What are allergies?
Allergies occur when your child’s immune system reacts to a foreign substance that shouldn’t normally cause a reaction. If your child has allergies, they may experience the following symptoms after coming into contact with the allergen:
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Watery eyes
- Runny, stuffy nose
- Itching in the nose, eyes, or throat
More severe allergies may cause other symptoms, such as swelling, hives, closing of the airway, and even loss of consciousness.
How are these conditions diagnosed?
Your child’s doctor can diagnose asthma or allergies based on a physical examination as well as other tests. If the doctor suspects asthma, they may order spirometry or peak flow tests. Your child’s doctor may also order tests to rule out other causes of the child’s symptoms.
If your child’s doctor suspects allergies, they may order allergy testing. The goal of allergy testing is to determine the substances that cause your child’s allergies so you can treat the condition more effectively.
Some children have both asthma and allergies. In such cases, the two disorders may aggravate one another.
How do you treat asthma and allergies?
Children with asthma may need a Sierra Pacific Pediatric Associates physician to prescribe a maintenance medication to reduce inflammation and other symptoms as well as a rescue inhaler to use during serious asthma attacks.
Avoiding allergens is the best way to prevent symptoms of allergies. However, avoiding allergens entirely isn’t always possible. Your child may also benefit from medications and/or immunotherapy. If your child’s allergies are severe, you may receive emergency epinephrine to administer if your child is exposed to the allergen.
