Asthma

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, nearly five million children in the United States have asthma. At Sunny Hill Pediatrics in Frisco, Texas, board-certified pediatrician Min Jung, MD, provides comprehensive care for asthma that includes lifestyle changes, support, family education, and medication to reduce your child’s risk of complications and emergencies. Call the pediatric clinic today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic disease that affects your child’s lungs. It causes the airways in their lungs to narrow. These tubes carry air in and out of the lungs to ensure proper breathing. Any irritation or inflammation in the airways can make breathing difficult and cause wheezing, coughing, or shortness of breath. 

What are the signs that my child might have asthma?

Asthma symptoms can vary depending on the condition’s severity. Some children only experience asthma symptoms during exercise, weather changes, or certain events. Others have persistent, ongoing symptoms that interfere with their daily function. 

Common signs of asthma include:

• Persistent coughing
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness
• Recurrent respiratory infections
• Fatigue
• Difficulty participating in sports

Children with asthma also often experience allergy symptoms, like runny noses, nasal congestion, and red, watery eyes.

How does asthma develop?

Doctors don’t know exactly why some children develop asthma and others don’t. They believe many underlying factors may contribute to its development. These include:

• Air pollution
• Respiratory infections
• Exposure to chemicals
• Allergies
• Family history
• Excess weight

Determining the root cause of asthma can help Dr. Jung create a personalized symptom management plan for your child. While asthma isn’t curable, effectively managing your child’s symptoms can help prevent serious asthma attacks, and increase the chances of your child "growing out of" asthma eventually.

How do doctors diagnose asthma?

Dr. Jung uses several tests to accurately diagnose asthma. Along with a complete medical history review and physical exam, he may perform lung function tests to help in the diagnosis. This test measures the amount and speed of air that your child inhales to determine whether their lungs are functioning properly.

My child has asthma. What are the treatment options?

Treating asthma typically requires a combination approach. After a thorough evaluation, Dr. Jung can develop a personalized treatment plan to manage your child’s symptoms and prevent attacks. Treatments he may recommend include:

• Trigger avoidance
• Quick-relieve inhalant medications
• Inhalant corticosteroids
• Long-acting bronchodilators
• Leukotriene modifiers
• Referral to Pulmonologist in very severe cases

Dr. Jung may adjust your child’s treatment as they age, enroll in sports, or experience changes in their symptoms.

Call Sunny Hill Pediatrics today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about asthma.