Pediatric Asthma Treatment Doctor in Kirkland, WA

Some key strategies are often recommended to properly manage pediatric asthma, but every child may need different management tools or strategies, so it is incredibly important that parents receive proper management instructions from their child’s healthcare provider to ensure that the strategies align with their child’s specific needs. Healthcare providers treating children with asthma will develop an asthma action plan that outlines the specific triggers, medications, and steps that need to be taken during an asthma attack.

To properly manage pediatric asthma, it is up to the parents to make sure that the child can avoid triggers, often including smoke, allergens, and excessive physical activity. Any adults that the child spends a significant amount of time with such as teachers, coaches, babysitters, family members, or the parents of your child’s friends should be aware of your child’s condition as well as if any triggers need to be avoided during their time with your child. Children may also be prescribed specific medications or be required to use an inhaler, so parents will also need to make sure that they help their children stay on top of all of these components of their treatment plan, including scheduling regular check-ups with their healthcare provider and monitoring their child’s asthma in between appointments.

There are a few different treatment approaches available for children with asthma, some of which may be included in their asthma action plan, including both short- and long-term options. Short-term treatment options for pediatric asthma include quick-relief medications that are provided to the child during an asthma attack to quickly relax the airway muscles, allowing them to open up. Some medications can be provided to children for long-term management of their asthma which should be taken regularly to reduce inflammation and to prevent the symptoms of asthma from occurring. Allergies are a common cause of asthma in children, so another method of treatment includes managing their allergies through allergy medications or shots to minimize symptoms. The asthma action plan that has been developed by the child’s healthcare provider will include any medications, triggers, and steps to take during an asthma attack to provide a clear treatment plan for the parents of the child, but these plans will look different for each patient as they are customized to suit each individual’s needs.

Inhalers are one of the most common and most effective methods of controlling asthma symptoms, but there are a few other methods of management for asthma that do not include an inhaler, including:

– Identifying and avoiding triggers for asthma symptoms wherever possible.
– Keep your home clean and free of pet dander, dust, and any other potential allergens that trigger asthma symptoms in your child.
– Help your child maintain good hygiene practices such as regularly washing their hands and avoiding contact with respiratory infections that make asthma symptoms worsen.
– Encouraging your child to drink plenty of fluids which helps to keep their airways moist, reducing the frequency of asthma symptoms.
– Teaching your child relaxation techniques to manage stress as it is a common trigger for asthma symptoms.

Every child will be different, so you must consult with your child’s healthcare provider to determine the best techniques to help manage your child’s symptoms.

There are a variety of potential causes for the development of asthma among children, but common contributing factors include:

– Genetic predisposition
– Exposure to certain irritants or allergens that trigger asthma symptoms
– Contracting viral respiratory infections, particularly in early childhood
– Allergies
– Being born prematurely or with a low birth weight

None of these factors will definitively lead to asthma but can increase the likelihood of your child developing asthma. It is also very common for children to have multiple causes or triggers for asthma symptoms, with each child having their own unique experience. Your child’s healthcare provider may be able to narrow down the likely causes of their asthmatic symptoms for more effective management of their symptoms. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We serve patients from Kirkland WA, Seattle WA, Shoreline WA, Lake Forest Park WA, Kenmore WA, Woodinville WA, Mountlake Terrace WA, Woodway WA, Edmonds WA, Lynnwood WA, Bothell WA and Lake Washington WA.