Signs It Is Asthma Not Allergies

At The Children's Clinic of Klamath, Dr. Nicola Cherry and the pediatric staff are here to provide your family with comprehensive and compassionate care when your child needs a doctor. We treat kids of all ages with asthma in Klamath Falls, OR, so they can continue to lead active and healthy lives.

Asthma and Allergies

Asthma can be alarming when you notice it in your child. Asthma causes the airways to become inflamed and narrow, and produce more mucus, resulting in trouble breathing. A trigger often brings on symptoms, so it may appear that your child has an allergy if they have not been diagnosed with asthma. Environmental factors like mold and pollen can cause an allergic reaction, but can also aggravate asthma symptoms.

Signs It's Asthma

If your child has asthma, they could experience:

• Shortness of breath
• Characteristic wheezing sound when exhaling
• Chest tightness
• Inflamed airways
• Spike in symptoms when exposed to a trigger

Asthma is a chronic condition that can last years or a lifetime, but you can help your child manage their symptoms to keep them healthy.

What Can I Do?

Some children notice asthma symptoms subside as they grow and their lungs and airways develop, but some patients will always need to manage their asthma. As a parent, you can help your child avoid their asthma triggers and manage flare-ups when they happen.

To help your child avoid triggers, a good cleaning schedule for linens and dust at home can be helpful to reduce exposure to allergens. Using an air purifier in your home also helps reduce the allergens your child will breathe in. When your child does get exposed to a trigger and experiences a flare-up, ensure they use their prescribed medication or inhaler. For a serve flare-up, you should seek medical attention immediately.

Asthma Treatment Now

Dr. Cherry and the pediatric staff of The Children's Clinic of Klamath in Klamath Falls, OR help patients with childhood asthma, manage symptoms and stay healthy. Contact us to make an appointment today at (541) 884-1224.