Dr. Mary Ogunsanya and the pediatric team at Maryland Children Health Center in Glenn Dale and Oxon Hill, MD can help if you are concerned your child may have asthma. Asthma is a chronic condition, but symptoms can be managed and your child can still live a healthy and active life. Read about how to identify asthma symptoms, and contact us for diagnosis and treatment for your child.
What Is Asthma?
Asthma is an inflammatory lung disease. The airways are sensitive and become inflamed, which results in difficulty breathing. Asthma symptoms flare up when exposed to triggers. Some common asthma triggers are viral infections or environmental factors like smoke, dust, mold, and pet dander.
How Can I Identify Asthma in My Child?
In children, asthma symptoms include wheezing and coughing episodes. You may notice a high-pitched whistling sound when they breathe. They may also experience shallow breathing, or describe shortness of breath or a tightness in their chest.
Pay attention to what triggers cause attacks and if symptoms worsen in the evening or during sports and activity. If your child is struggling, we can develop a treatment plan for your child's asthma.
How Is Asthma Treated?
Diagnostic testing and family history help us determine the severity of the child's asthma and appropriate treatment. Some children notice asthma symptoms lessen as they mature, but asthma is a lifelong condition.
Some oral steroids can help with severe asthma symptoms, and inhalers are a common treatment for asthma attacks. Steroid inhalers work by delivering medication that reduces inflammation and dilates the airways straight to the lungs.
While an inhaler can help during an attack, you cannot rely on it completely to manage asthma symptoms. Another important part of asthma treatment will be lifestyle modifications that help your child avoid triggers and prevent attacks.
Get Asthma Treatment Today
Dr. Mary Ogunsanya and Maryland Children Health Center are here to help your family when you are concerned about asthma in Glenn Dale and Oxon Hill, MD. Contact us for an appointment in Glenn Dale at (301) 218-0398, and in Oxon Hill at (301) 567-1767.