A little more than 8% of children under the age of 18 in the United States have asthma, and it’s one of the top drivers of missed school days. At Elk Grove Pediatrics, Rahat Saied, MD, helps children (and parents) in the Elk Grove, California, area breathe easier through the latest asthma treatments and management techniques. If you’d like expert care of your child’s asthma, call or use the online booking feature.
Asthma is a condition that causes your child’s airways to narrow and produce excess mucus. Asthma is common in both children and adults, and it can range in severity from a minor nuisance to a life-altering condition in which your child’s life is limited in significant ways.
Asthma affects children in varying degrees. For some, the condition is a background annoyance while, for others, frequent asthma attacks wreak havoc on their lives.
The most common symptoms of asthma, whether they’re mild, moderate, or severe, include:
An asthma attack magnifies these symptoms and can even be life-threatening if your child’s airways close up to the point where they’re unable to breathe.
The exact cause of asthma remains a mystery, but medical researchers have identified the many factors that can lead to the development of this respiratory illness, including:
When it comes to what causes an asthma attack, the triggers include:
Some children may even experience an asthma attack when they’re under stress.
When you first see Dr. Saied, he performs a series of tests to determine lung function, and he reviews the symptoms. If he finds that asthma is present, it’s important to note that there’s no cure for the condition, but there’s much that he can do to better control your child’s asthma with:
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for asthma, and Dr. Saied recommends a treatment plan based on your child’s unique situation.
If you’d like to better manage your child’s asthma, call Elk Grove Pediatrics or use the online booking tool to set up an appointment.