Asthma is one of the most common chronic conditions in children, affecting approximately 6 million children in the United States. If your child has been diagnosed with asthma or you suspect they may have it, pediatric asthma treatment at Teddy Bear Pediatrics can help them breathe easier and live a full, active life.
Understanding Childhood Asthma
Asthma causes the airways to become inflamed and narrowed, leading to:
- Wheezing (a whistling sound when breathing)
- Coughing, especially at night or early morning
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
- Difficulty during exercise or physical activity
Our Approach to Asthma Management
Dr. Patel creates a personalized Asthma Action Plan for each child that includes:
- Trigger identification — Working with families to identify and avoid asthma triggers
- Controller medications — Daily medications to reduce inflammation and prevent symptoms
- Rescue medications — Quick-relief inhalers for acute symptoms
- Allergy management — Pediatric allergy testing to identify allergic triggers
- Education — Teaching children and parents to recognize early warning signs
- Exercise guidance — Helping kids stay active safely
Asthma and Sleep
Asthma symptoms often worsen at night (nocturnal asthma), disrupting sleep quality. As a sleep medicine specialist, Dr. Patel understands the connection between asthma and sleep disorders in children and can address both issues comprehensively.
When to Seek Emergency Care
- Severe difficulty breathing — lips or fingernails turning blue
- Rescue inhaler providing no relief
- Cannot speak in full sentences due to breathlessness
- Ribs visible with each breath (retractions)
Call (512) 931-1575 to schedule an asthma evaluation or management appointment.
