Northwest Spokane Pediatrics

Asthma Season

Posted by Tanner on Feb 05 2010 | Comments

Remember to come and see us if you are having trouble with your asthma.  The weather is warmer and we are seeing an increase in asthma symptoms. If you are having trouble please make an appointment so we can help you feel the better.  Asthma is a long term condition involving the respiratory track. In asthmatics the airways occasionally constrict, become inflamed, and can have excessive amounts of mucus, often in response to one or more triggers. Exacerbation's may be triggered by such things as exposure to allergens, smoke (from tobacco or wood burning fireplaces), cold or warm air, perfume, pet dander, moist air, exercise or exertion, or emotional stress. In kids, the most common triggers are viral illnesses such as those that cause the common cold. This airway narrowing causes symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The airway constriction responds to bronchodilators (i.e. albuterol) but these do not fix the inflammation. Between episodes, most patients feel well but can have mild symptoms and they may remain short of breath after exercise for longer periods of time than the unaffected individual. Asthma symptoms can range from mild to life threatening but they can usually be controlled with a combination of medications and environmental changes  If you have questions please visit http://kidshealth.org/teen/centers/asthma_center.html