Asthma in Children: Recognizing Symptoms and Pediatric Management

Clearwater Pediatric Care can help pair you up with a pediatrician in Clearwater and Tampa, FL, to help manage asthma-related symptoms in your child. Dr. Raj Pai and Dr. Mary Hicks know that this condition is frightening and will work hard to provide your child with the help that they need. Here’s what you need to know about this condition and its treatment.

Common Asthma Symptoms to Watch 

 A few symptoms of asthma to watch include:

• Regular coughing spells that may occur while your child is playing
• Rapid breathing or shortness of breath at seemingly random times 
• Decreased energy when trying to play with friends
• Tightness in the chest or pain when they try to breathe
• Whistling sounds when they breathe in and out at various times
• The chest sinking or “retracting” between each breath
• Feeling irritated, weak, tired, or struggle eating properly 
• Severe breathing problems caused by an asthma attack
• Blue or pale colors on the face, lips, and fingernails
• Trouble speaking or inability to speak at all

Treating Asthma in Children 

 At Clearwater Pediatric Care, Dr. Pai and Dr. Hicks can help diagnose and treat your child’s asthma and keep them healthy. We’re the pediatrician that many in Clearwater and Tampa, FL trust for this process. We can provide you with a variety of care options, including:

• Quick-Relief Medications: During an asthma attack, your child needs quick and effective relief to open up their breathing passages again. These medicines include short-acting beta2 agonists and short-acting anticholinergics that can help your child breathe again.
• Long-Term Medicines: These medications are designed to provide your child a more effective long-term option to prevent potential asthma attacks. Options include corticosteroids, leukotriene modifiers, and long-acting beta2 agonists they take regularly. 
• Lifestyle Changes: A few simple lifestyle tweaks might go a long way towards improving your child’s asthma symptoms. For example, we can help them avoid heavy exercise or even find moderate exercise that strengthens their lungs and avoids problematic asthma symptoms.

 Please note that some children experience minor side effects when taking asthma medications. These include rashes, swelling, oral thrush, nervousness, headaches, and weight gain. Track their weight and work with us to manage any dangerous weight gain that might impact their overall health. 

Work with a Team You Can Trust 

 Clearwater Pediatric Care and Dr. Pai and Dr. Hicks provided trusted pediatrician care in Clearwater and Tampa, FL, and will do whatever we can to help your child. Please don’t hesitate to contact us at (727) 461-1543 if your little one has asthma and you want a therapeutic option that minimizes their pain and keeps them happy.