Get Help From Your Pediatrician If Your Child Has Asthma

If your child is dealing with asthma, our pediatricians can provide them with long-term relief.

Raleigh, NC, pediatricians have helped countless children and teens find the right medications and strategies to manage their asthma symptoms. Of course, it isn’t always as easy as one might think to spot the symptoms and signs of asthma. It may warrant a trip to our office if your child is displaying any of these symptoms,

• Gasping for air or having trouble breathing
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing (or an audible whistling sound) when breathing in
• Complaining of tightness or pressure in their chest
• Symptoms that get worse with a cold or viral infection
• Chronic and persistent cough that may get worse at night
• Being easily winded, tired, and out of breath during physical activity
• Fatigue, especially if symptoms keep them up at night

It’s important to bring your child in for an evaluation if they are displaying any of these symptoms associated with asthma. Older children may be able to tell you that their “chest feels tight” or that they have trouble getting a full breath. Once your child has received a definitive diagnosis from one of our pediatricians, we can create a treatment plan to help them get their symptoms under control.

How is Asthma Treated?

In order to control asthma symptoms and to prevent an attack, your pediatrician will most likely prescribe two types of medications,

• A daily, long-term medication such as an inhaled corticosteroid, which reduces inflammation in the airways to lessen symptoms.
• A fast-acting medication that is only used when a child feels symptoms of an attack coming on. This quick-relief medication can prevent a full-blown attack by targeting the early warning signs right away.

Your child’s treatment plan will also include:

• Knowing their asthma triggers and avoiding these triggers as much as possible
• Recognizing the signs of an asthma attack and knowing how to respond
• Knowing when to get emergency treatment or to see a pediatrician for care

Can My Child Receive Care Right Now?

Dealing with worsening asthma symptoms, especially right now, can be particularly scary; however, our Raleigh, NC, medical team at White Oak Pediatrics is still providing care to children and teens at this time. We are minimizing exposure by having families remain in their cars until the exam rooms are ready. Our well-child checkups are happening the morning and sick visits are occurring in the afternoon.

If you need a refill on your child’s asthma medication or have questions about any new asthma symptoms they may be experiencing, we are also scheduling telehealth appointment for non-urgent care and follow-ups. To schedule an appointment at White Oak Pediatrics in Raleigh, NC, please call (919) 787-0266.