What Causes Child Asthma?

Child asthma in Maricopa, AZ, can be present no matter the season. At Southwestern Pediatrics and Family Care, Drs. Sultan Ayoub, Anthony DiGeorge, Lisa Baba, and JoAnn Vitiello have experience getting the condition under control. Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease in which the airways narrow, swell, and produce extra mucus. Asthma can appear in children for several reasons that we'll outline below. We recommend scheduling a consultation if your child is coughing (excessively at night), wheezing, gasping for air, or complaining of chest tightness. Severe cases can result in hospitalization if not careful.

What Causes Child Asthma?

Like most conditions, having a family history of asthma increases risk. If you've ever struggled to catch your breath, imagine how a child must feel when that happens to them, and they don't understand why. Additional risk factors for childhood asthma include cold air exposure, high-level physical exercise, second-hand smoke, or immune system sensitivity. Asthma has a plethora of triggers, from allergens like dust mites or animal dander to dietary insufficiencies or food with preservatives. For some children, asthma is merely a nuisance. Those with severe cases must take precautions to avoid an asthma attack, where the muscles around the airways experience excessive inflammation and a sudden worsening of symptoms. Seek medical attention immediately if your child has severe shortness of breath and their rescue inhaler fails to provide relief.

Child asthma in Maricopa, AZ, is treatable with the help of a medical professional. If your infant, toddler, or child exhibits asthma signs, schedule a consultation with one of our pediatricians to discuss symptoms, family history, and therapies. The sooner we can discover your child's triggers, the sooner they will feel better or, more crucially, avoid a difficult breathing episode. If food or irritants are likely the cause of your child's asthma in Maricopa, AZ, one of our doctors may recommend an allergy test to help manage the condition. Please call Southwestern Pediatrics and Family Care at 520-568-9500 for appointment scheduling with Drs. Sultan Ayoub, Anthony DiGeorge, Lisa Baba, or JoAnn Vitiello.