If your child suffers from asthma, the condition can affect their sleep, their general health, and their ability to take part in physical activities. But the good news about asthma is that the symptoms can be managed with the help of our Burlington, MA, pediatrician. Recognizing these symptoms and obtaining a diagnosis are important first steps, so if you'd like to learn more about the condition you can reach out to your local health experts at Burlington Pediatrics.
Anatomy of an Asthma Attack
During a normal breath, the air is carried into the lungs, and from there, it is spread throughout the body by way of the bloodstream. But if your child suffers from asthma, the lining of the airways can become inflamed and this can drastically reduce the amount of oxygen until an asthma attack occurs.
The Symptoms
Your child's symptoms may not include all of the following but if you notice signs of concern it's always a good idea to consult with our pediatrician.
Asthma symptoms can include shortness of breath, breathing rapidly, wheezing, chest tightness or pain, and difficulty sleeping.
Diagnosis
The above-mentioned symptoms could be a sign that your child may be struggling with asthma, but only a diagnosis from their doctor can tell you for sure.
To perform a diagnosis their pediatrician may order a pulmonary function test, and may also require a blood test and imaging tests of the chest. But prior to that our doctor will discuss your child's symptoms and their medical history, and perform a physical examination.
Pediatric Asthma Treatment in Burlington, MA
Your child's pediatrician will develop a treatment plan tailored to your child's needs, if allergies trigger their asthma then they may treat those first. But they are also typically prescribed medication to help manage sudden symptoms.
If you are concerned about your child's asthma symptoms and live in or near the area of Burlington, MA, you can schedule a consultation with Burlington Pediatrics by dialing (781) 272-2210.