By conservative estimates, medical experts find that asthma affects about six million children in the United States alone. Because asthma can lower your child’s quality of life and cause them to miss enjoyable activities and school, board-certified pediatrician Monica Kharbanda, MD, provides research-driven asthma care at Franconia Pediatrics in Alexandria, Virginia. Don’t hesitate to get your child started on an asthma treatment plan, especially since asthma can become life-threatening if it’s not well-controlled. Click the online scheduling tool or call the office to book your child’s asthma appointment by phone.

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What causes asthma?

While childhood asthma isn’t fully understood, researchers do find that the condition tends to run in families. Your child’s delicate lungs and airways can become inflamed when they’re exposed to triggers, and this inflammation makes breathing very difficult. Common asthma triggers include:

  • Allergies, particularly to airborne allergens like dust mites, pollen, and mold spores
  • Physical activity, especially during sporting activities
  • Air pollution and cigarette smoke

You may also notice that your child has more frequent or more severe asthma attacks when the weather changes quickly or when it gets colder during winter months.

When should my child see a pediatrician for asthma?

When children have asthma, they typically start to exhibit symptoms before the age of five. Because of this, it’s important to pay attention to your little one’s breathing and bring your child in to Franconia Pediatrics if they have any of the following issues:

  • Fast or labored breathing
  • Whistling or wheezing while breathing
  • Frequent colds that tend to settle in their chest
  • Coughing fits, especially if they keep your child up at night

Asthma symptoms can worsen as your child gets older and as they’re frequently exposed to asthma triggers. Dr. Kharbanda encourages you to bring your child in to Franconia Pediatrics if they’re displaying any of the symptoms above, even if the issues seem infrequent or minor.

How does a pediatrician treat asthma?

During your asthma evaluation at Franconia Pediatrics, Dr. Kharbanda performs a medical exam and discusses your child’s symptoms. She may recommend an airflow test to evaluate how well your child is breathing, as well as blood tests to identify any allergies that may be triggering symptoms.

After diagnosing your child’s asthma condition, Dr. Kharbanda counsels you about all possible treatment options. Your child’s asthma treatment plan may include a combination of any of the following therapies:

  • Quick-relief inhalers
  • Allergy medications or immunotherapy
  • Long-term preventive inhaled or oral medications

Dr. Kharbanda is diligent about helping your child prevent asthma-related issues and reducing the severity of any asthma attacks your child may experience. It’s also important for your child to stay up to date with annual flu shots.

Your child can undergo comprehensive asthma management care at Franconia Pediatrics. Get your child started on asthma treatment by booking an exam online or by phone today.