Caring for Your Child With Asthma

If you’re not a parent, grandparent, or caregiver of a child with asthma, chances are you know someone who is. In Michigan, asthma is pretty common.

But What is Asthma and How is it Treated?

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease that can be caused by allergy and/or genetic susceptibility. “Children with asthma have difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, and wheezing, which can happen with viral infection or during exercise. Parents typically sense something is amiss when their young child struggles to keep up with peers because of shortness of breath, or if the child starts wheezing when they get colds and upper respiratory infections. Persistent wheezing should be evaluated by a specialist early on to prevent it from becoming a more severe form of the disease

Could Your Child’s Asthma be Caused by Allergies?

Allergens are common triggers for asthma. Allergens can also cause seasonal allergies. “If your child has frequent cold-like symptoms, runny nose, congestion, sneezing but no fever, this could be caused by allergy triggers
In some cases, parents are simply unaware of the trigger, and will only notice a problem when their child doesn’t sleep well at night and experiences poor performance at school as a result. “If you suspect any kind of symptoms, talk with your doctor to get a referral to an allergy and asthma specialist, which will help you identify the trigger faster and prevent a worsening of symptoms,

A specialist may perform a non-invasive allergy scratch test using a plastic toothpick-like instrument on the back for seasonal allergies and on the forearm for food allergies. “It’s less painful than a blood draw or a vaccine and we can read the results in 15-20 minutes. Patients leave with a diagnosis
To test for asthma, the specialist will perform a pulmonary function test, typically in older children. “This is a machine with a tube the child blows into that evaluates lung function

How is Asthma Treated?

A specialist may prescribe an inhaler to reduce or treat asthma symptoms, and, if asthma is caused by allergies, your child can take allergy medicines in the form of a liquid, pill, or nasal spray. Allergy shots can be successful, too. “Some patients who receive shots regularly can stop the pathology of the symptoms, with a very high success rate
A newer way to treat asthma is monoclonal antibody treatment, which “binds to the antibodies or receptors that cause asthma/allergy problems. this treatment is injected subcutaneously in a similar way to insulin. “This can reduce hospital admissions and asthma attacks, and helps severe asthma and eczema significantly.”
When a child’s asthma is under control, it can decrease the likelihood of hospitalization or trips to the emergency department with asthma symptoms. “Having asthma doesn’t mean a child has less quality of life than their peers. A child with asthma can have zero symptoms with proper management with the right medications and avoiding triggers.”

FAQ

1. Who is the best pediatrician in PCMC?

The Best Pediatrician In PCMC is one who offers comprehensive child healthcare, has extensive experience in treating newborns, infants, children, and adolescents, and provides preventive, diagnostic, and emergency pediatric services. ONP Hospitals combines experienced pediatric specialists with advanced medical facilities to deliver personalized care for every child.

2. When should I take my child to a pediatrician?

You should visit a pediatrician for routine health checkups, vaccinations, developmental assessments, nutritional guidance, common childhood illnesses, allergies, infections, or whenever your child experiences persistent fever, breathing difficulties, vomiting, diarrhea, or unusual symptoms.

3. What services does a pediatrician provide?

A pediatrician offers:

• Newborn and infant care
• Vaccination and immunization
• Growth and developmental monitoring
• Treatment for childhood illnesses
• Nutrition and feeding guidance
• Adolescent healthcare
• Preventive health checkups
• Management of allergies and infections
• Emergency pediatric care

4. How often should my child visit a pediatrician?

Newborns require frequent visits during the first year of life. After infancy, annual health checkups are generally recommended, along with visits for vaccinations, illnesses, or developmental concerns.

5. Does ONP Hospitals provide vaccination services for children?

Yes. ONP Hospitals follows the recommended childhood immunization schedule and provides safe, timely vaccinations to protect children against preventable diseases. Vaccination schedules are personalized according to your child’s age and health requirements.

6. What are the signs that my child needs immediate pediatric care?

Seek immediate medical attention if your child experiences:

• Difficulty breathing
• High fever that does not improve
• Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
• Seizures
• Severe dehydration
• Loss of consciousness
• Serious injuries or accidents
• Bluish lips or skin

7. Does ONP Hospitals offer newborn and NICU care?

Yes. ONP Hospitals provides specialized newborn care, neonatal monitoring, and advanced NICU facilities for premature babies and newborns requiring intensive medical support.

8. Why should parents choose ONP Hospitals for pediatric care in PCMC?

Parents choose ONP Hospitals because of:

• Experienced pediatric specialists
• Child-friendly environment
• Advanced diagnostic facilities
• Comprehensive newborn care
• Vaccination services
• Emergency pediatric support
• Personalized treatment plans
• Multidisciplinary medical expertise

9. Can a pediatrician monitor my child’s growth and development?

Yes. Regular pediatric visits help monitor your child’s physical growth, developmental milestones, nutrition, speech, behavior, and overall health, ensuring early detection of any concerns.

10. How do I book an appointment with the best pediatrician in PCMC?

You can easily schedule an appointment with the pediatric specialists at ONP Hospitals through their official website or by contacting the hospital directly for consultation and child healthcare services.