Asthma & Allergies Specialist

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic health condition in which your airways become abnormally narrow. This leaves little space for air to flow in and out of your lungs, which leads to breathing difficulties. Many people develop asthma as children, although the condition can also develop in adulthood. 

Some of the symptoms of asthma include:

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain or sensation of chest tightness
• Sleep disruptions
• Breathing problems that worsen when sick with a cold or flu

There are medications that can treat asthma. Some work by reducing inflammation in the airways, while others help relax the muscles near airways. There are options that provide almost immediate relief from an asthma attack, and others that are taken over a longer period of time to improve breathing.  

Researchers are uncertain of the exact cause of asthma, but believe that a combination of genetic and environmental factors are to blame. 

What are allergies?

Allergies occur when your immune system launches a strong response to a substance that is not normally harmful to humans. They are a powerful display of the role your immune system plays in keeping you healthy, but kids with allergies can struggle with the symptoms. 

When a child with allergies encounters a substance (allergen) that triggers the exaggerated response, symptoms can impact their sinuses, skin, airways, or digestive system. Some of these symptoms are mild in nature, while others can be debilitating, or in some cases, even life-threatening. 

Some symptoms of allergies include:

• Skin rash
• Itching
• Swelling
• Lightheadedness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sneezing
• Watery or red eyes

Allergies can be treated in a number of ways. There are medications that can prevent your immune system from overreacting to allergens. Another approach called immunotherapy uses a series of shallow injections to slowly introduce allergens into your system, giving your immune response a chance to get used to those substances and recognize them as harmless.  

What can I do to reduce the symptoms of asthma and allergies?

There is a strong link between allergies and asthma, and researchers believe that kids with allergies have a higher risk of developing asthma as a result. An important part of managing these conditions is learning to identify and avoid substances that trigger an allergic reaction or asthma attack. 

There are many different allergens, including:

• Pet dander
• Grass
• Dust
• Mold or mildew
• Foods like soy, shellfish, or peanuts
• Chemicals
• Smoke or other air pollutants
• Insect stings

This is far from a comprehensive list. Parents and kids should take note of allergens that trigger reactions and then create a plan to avoid those substances to the greatest degree possible. 

If you have concerns over asthma or allergy symptoms, call the office today to book a visit at Southfield Pediatric Physicians, PC. Online scheduling is also an option and allows you to book your visit from home, any time of day or night.