Asthma is a condition associated with tightening in the chest and difficulty breathing. Symptoms can flare up when participating in physical activities, such as sports or exercise, but that doesn’t have to stop your child from enjoying the things they love. The right treatments can help children manage their asthma symptoms. Dr. Heena Thakkar and Dr. Shilpa Pankaj, the caring and experienced pediatricians at Peekaboo Pediatrics in Houston, TX, can recommend asthma treatments to help your child live well with asthma.

Asthma Symptoms and Triggers

Many different symptoms can develop as a result of asthma. One of the most common symptoms patients experience is difficulty breathing. During an asthma flare-up, the airways in the lungs tighten up and become inflamed, which interferes with breathing.

Other symptoms of asthma include:

• Gasping for air
• Shortness of breath
• Tightening in the chest
• Wheezing when breathing
• Persistent coughing (especially at night)
• Difficulty sleeping due to coughing
• Excessive fatigue after playing
• Chronic chest colds

Asthma symptoms can be triggered by a number of factors, which can differ from one person to the next. Some of the most common reasons for an asthma flare-up include:

• Exercising or playing sports
• Illness or a health condition
• Allergens (e.g., pollen or pet dander)
• Certain scents or fragrances
• Chemicals (e.g., detergents)
• Cold weather
• Smoke
• Stress

Treatments for Asthma

Living well with asthma is possible with an effective treatment plan that enables your child to manage flare-ups and symptoms. We utilize several methods for treating asthma at our office in Houston, TX, such as medications and portable inhalers that reduce inflammation in the airways so your child can breathe easier. Part of your child’s treatment plan might also include identifying asthma triggers so they can be avoided. Asthma is a condition that does not go away so it is necessary to seek treatment. We can recommend specific treatments for your child.

We can help your child live well with asthma with an individualized treatment plan tailored to their specific needs. Schedule an appointment for your child with Dr. Thakkar and Dr. Pankaj to learn more about the options for treating your child’s asthma by calling Peekaboo Pediatrics in Houston, TX, at (713)-861-4800.