Asthma Testing For Children

Wondering how we diagnose childhood asthma?

Asthma is one of the most common chronic conditions in children, causing inflammation of the airways and muscle constriction around the airways. It’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms of asthma in your child as quickly as possible. If you notice asthma symptoms in your little one, it’s a good idea to schedule asthma testing with our Clarkston, Smyrna and Lithonia GA, pediatricians.

What Are the Warning Signs of Asthma?

Wondering if your child might have asthma? Be on the lookout for these common warning signs,

• Persist cough that gets worse at night, after exercise or when exposed to cold air
• Chest tightness
• Wheezing (a whistling sound that occurs when your child breathes in or out)
• Easily fatigued and winded, especially after exercise

Asthma symptoms may be triggered by exercise, cold air, stress, allergies or a viral infection such as a cold. If your child is dealing with any of these symptoms, it’s essential that you bring them into our Livonia, GA, office for asthma testing.

How Is Asthma Diagnosed in Children?

During your child’s evaluation, we will ask you questions about the symptoms your child is experiencing before performing a physical exam and then a spirometry or lung function test. Along with a spirometry test, we may also perform a peak flow monitoring test.

How Is Asthma Treated?

Your child’s age and the severity of their symptoms will determine which treatment options will be best suited to manage their asthma. Medication is often necessary to reduce airway inflammation and prevent an asthma attack. The most common asthma medications include controlled medications such as inhaled steroids and a fast-acting relief inhaler, also known as a bronchodilator.

Our Clarkston, Smyrna and Lithonia GA, pediatricians will also map out an asthma treatment plan for your child so you know what to do in an emergency. By figuring out what triggers your child’s asthma symptoms, we can also recommend lifestyle modifications that can reduce their risk for exposure, such as staying away from secondhand smoke, using a HEPA air filter in the home and keeping pets out of bedrooms.

Decatur Pediatric Group has served the Clarkston, Smyrna and Lithonia GA, communities for over twenty years. If you are worried your child might have asthma, call (404) 296-7133 to schedule asthma testing with our team.