Asthma Specialist

Struggling to get air into their lungs during an asthma attack is a scary experience for children, but stress and panic can worsen the problem. Fiona Carroll, MD, of Child & Adolescent Health Center in Lathrup Village, Michigan, offers exceptional long-term care to children with asthma. She provides carefully managed medication to help reduce inflammation and deal with distressing asthma attacks. To ensure your child benefits from the most effective asthma treatments, call Child & Adolescent Health Center today or book an appointment online.

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic disorder resulting from inflammation in the airways (bronchi) of the lungs. This inflammation restricts the flow of air into and out of the lungs. It’s particularly severe during an asthma attack, making it difficult to breathe properly.

Anyone could develop asthma, but it’s most likely to begin in childhood. The condition’s exact cause isn’t clear, but genetics and environmental factors contribute to your child’s risk.

Some children have allergic asthma, where allergies to airborne particles like dust, pollen, and smoke trigger an asthma attack. With exercise-induced asthma, physical activity is the trigger.

What are the symptoms of asthma?

Children with asthma might have symptoms such as:

• Chronic cough
• Coughing at night
• Wheezing
• Strained breathing

During an asthma attack, the child’s breathing becomes severely labored, so they visibly struggle to draw in air. This can alarm both parent and child, but it’s important to keep as calm as possible because stress and panic worsen an asthma attack.

How is asthma diagnosed?

To diagnose asthma symptoms, your Child & Adolescent Health Center pediatrician reviews your child’s medical history and checks their overall health. They listen to your child’s lungs to see if they can hear any wheezing or other indicators of restricted airways.

Your child might need to undergo lung function tests (spirometry) and an exhaled nitric oxide test to confirm asthma and evaluate its severity. These are simple, painless procedures.

How is asthma treated?

There’s currently no cure for asthma, but your Child & Adolescent Health Center pediatrician provides personalized treatment to help your child manage their symptoms. 

Bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory drugs help reduce inflammation and open the airways. These are the foundation of asthma treatment, reducing the frequency of attacks.

In addition to regular medication doses, your child must carry an inhaler at all times in case of an asthma attack. When they feel their airways closing, they use the inhaler to release a medicated spray into their mouth. This should reduce the symptoms and help them breathe normally again.

If your child has allergic asthma, it’s important to reduce their exposure to allergens as far as possible to limit attacks.

For expert diagnosis and compassionate care of your child’s asthma, call Child & Adolescent Health Center today or book an appointment online.