When Your Child Should Have Asthma Testing

How asthma testing from your pediatricians in Lithonia, GA, can help your child

There are many issues that can cause your child to have breathing problems. One main cause of breathing difficulties is asthma. Fortunately, your pediatrician is an expert at the diagnosis and treatment of asthma and can help your child manage asthma attacks. The pediatricians at Decatur Pediatric Group in Clarkston, Smyrna, and Lithonia, GA, provide comprehensive medical care for children, including asthma testing and treatment.

The first step in asthma treatment is to determine if your child has asthma. This is done through lung function testing and other methods. You should have your child see the pediatrician for asthma testing if your child:

• Wheezes and coughs frequently
• Has difficulty breathing deeply
• Experiences discomfort or tightness in the chest
• Has recurrent episodes of bronchitis

Symptoms of asthma in an infant may be more difficult to notice. You should consider asthma testing if your infant:

• Takes longer to feed
• Has trouble breathing while feeding
• Coughs frequently, especially at night

Asthma testing includes lung function testing, spirometry, or peak flow measurement, and testing nitric oxide levels to find out how well your child’s lungs are functioning. If your child does have asthma, your pediatrician may prescribe:

• Short-term rescue inhalers to manage acute asthma attacks
• Long-term asthma medications to limit asthma attacks and manage asthma effectively

Your child’s environment plays a huge role in how well your child can breathe. There are steps you can take to help limit asthma flare-ups. These include:

• Keeping your child away from cigarette smoke, perfumes, and other irritants
• Keeping pets off furniture and out of your child’s bedroom
• Installing an air filter in your child’s bedroom
• Vacuuming frequently or considering switching to hardwood floors
• Washing sheets, pillowcases, and blankets frequently

Along with asthma, your child may also be suffering from allergies. Exposure to an allergen can trigger an asthma attack, so your pediatrician may also recommend allergy testing. Common allergens which can trigger an asthma attack include:

• Tree and grass pollens
• Plant and flower pollens
• Mildew and mold
• Pet dander and dust

To learn more about when your child should have asthma testing, call the pediatricians at Decatur Pediatric Group in Clarkston, Smyrna, and Lithonia, GA. You can reach them in the office by calling (404) 296-7133, so call now.