.
With roughly one in twelve children suffering from asthma in the U.S., learning to control the condition improves their quality of life. And because certain triggers don’t affect adults, like viral infections, it is especially important to pay extra attention during fall and winter in Falls Church, Va. The experts at Carelife are showing parents how to get through the flu season without an attack.
How Does Asthma Affect Children in Falls Church, VA?
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that makes the bronchial tubes become inflamed and narrow when exposed to certain triggers. Symptoms include shortness of breath, chest tightness or pain, a whistling sound when breathing out (wheezing), and a persistent cough. It is especially serious for children given that they have smaller airways than adults.
Different factors, from genetic to environmental, can lead to developing the condition and worsening symptoms, especially in children. During fall and winter, in the West Falls Church area, there is an increase in arboreal pollen (specifically oak, maple and elm trees), one of the most potent triggers.
Common Triggers in Virginia
Apart from the aforementioned triggers, for Falls Church, Va, residents, the condition can have flare ups as the result of smoke from outdoor grilling and cookouts. Also, dust mites, animal dander, and strong odours coming from perfume, incense—Virginia residents do love their candles—, or cleaning products are common asthma triggers all year round. If you have a child who suffers from respiratory deficiencies in the family, being mindful of these triggers can go a long way in protecting them.
👉 With proper management, kids can take control, be active and healthy.
How Can You Tell If a Kid Has Asthma?
Although there is no age limit to developing it, it often starts in childhood, but can be mistaken for other diseases. During this time, signs and symptoms may differ from those in older children and teens.
The signs and symptoms in a baby or toddler include:
- Persistent or night cough
- Jaded breathing
- Difficulty to breathe
- Flared nostrils
- Exaggerated belly movement
- Panting during normal play
- Wheezing (a whistling sound)
- Trouble sucking or eating due to the constriction of the breathing tubes
- Cyanosis, a change in tissue color on the tongue, lips, around the eyes, fingertips or nail beds
As kids grow older, their symptoms may include:
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing
- Chest tightness or pain
- Wheezing
- Waking at night with breathing difficulties
- A drop in their peak flow meter reading (if your child uses one)
- Inability to perform during normal physical activity
🤧 You may be interested: Asthma in Virginia: Triggers and Ways to Control Them
Is It Better to See an Allergist or a Pulmonologist?
An allergist is a specially-trained physician that diagnoses, treats and manages allergies, asthma and immunologic disorders. After obtaining their medical degree, physicians undergo three additional years of training in internal medicine or pediatrics and pass the exam of either the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) or the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP).
A pulmonologist specializes in the respiratory system. Pulmonology is a medical field of study within internal medicine as well, with pulmonologists going through the same training as internists. Once that training is completed, they must pass specialty exams to obtain their board certification.
If you have been struggling with the condition and find that you haven’t been able to control it with the help of your primary doctor, you might ask them to refer you to a specialist like an allergist or a pulmonologist. If your asthma is the result of allergies, an allergist is probably best in your case. However, if the cause is still uncertain, you might benefit from seeing a pulmonologist. Whichever the case may be, your doctor will work with you to find the best specialist in Falls Church.
Why See an Internist in Falls Church
Both an allergist and a pulmonologist have had to go through Internal medicine training. This is because an internist is an expert in complexity. An internal medicine doctor is specially trained to solve diagnostic problems, manage severe long-term illnesses, and help patients with multiple, complex chronic conditions, such as asthma. Internal medicine physicians are known as the “doctor’s doctor” because of their unique ability to connect the dots to solve complex medical problems.
In Falls Church, VA, Dr. Fatima Aziz is a board-certified internist serving patients in Fairfax and Richmond, VA, at CareLife Medical. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Aziz has been committed to offering both primary and preventive healthcare services, assisting patients with managing their health, and providing support for those dealing with chronic conditions.
Getting Ready for the School Year
Dr. Aziz recommends parents create and follow an asthma action plan. They can authorize the school authorities and nurses to provide the child with their rescue inhaler and spacer when needed. Besides, they can offer a list of their child’s asthma triggers so that the staff are aware of the symptoms to look for.
Additionally, parents should make sure that the child gets their flu shot when it becomes available. This will help reduce any symptoms that they might get if they do test positive for the flu.
FAQ
Can I get cured?
As a chronic condition, there is currently no cure. However, with the right treatment plan, medication, and trigger management, most patients (both children and adults) can lead active, healthy lives with minimal disruption to their daily routine.
How do I know if my child suffers from asthma or just seasonal allergies?
The first condition typically presents with signs like wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath, apart from the coughing and sneezing, which can be confused with allergies. However, it is always safest to consult with a specialist.
When should I take my child to see a specialist?
If your child has been diagnosed with asthma, you should consult with a specialist to keep the chronic condition under control. At Carelife, Dr. Fatima Aziz and her team are experienced in developing personalized asthma care plans for children and adults in Falls Church, Virginia.
Find a Specialist in Falls Church, Virginia
Located in the hart of Falls Church, VA, Carelife specializes in asthma care for children and adults. Dr. Fatima Aziz welcomes new patients, whether they are English, Urdu or Spanish speakers. Apart from that, she proudly takes Medicare. If you or a loved one are struggling with the condition, do not hesitate to reach out.