You may suspect your child has asthma and allergies, but how do you find out for sure? The experienced and skilled pediatric medical staff at Johns Creek Pediatrics in Suwanee & Cumming, GA, can help guide you through a diagnosis and create a treatment that is right for your child.
What Are Allergies?
Allergies can be a nuisance in your child's life. Most children have environmental/internal body triggers. These triggers cause your child to have allergic reactions such as stuffy nose/itchy, watery eyes/and increased sneezing.
The body's immune system will cause an Immunoglobulin E (IgE) flare. IgE causes these allergic symptoms. The body can have more than one allergen that flares IgE release. For example, your child may be allergic to dust and cat dander. These are two things that can cause the release of IgE. Allergies that flare asthma are usually inhalants such as campfire smoke or leaf mold.
What Is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic condition in which the muscles of the lungs tighten, causing spasms. Along with the spasms, your child will get:
- Inflammation or thickening of the airways
- Difficulty in passing air through the lungs
- Increased mucus in the bronchioles
- Decreased air exchange impacts adequate airflow
- Shortness of breath
According to Johns Creek Pediatrics in Suwanee & Cumming, GA, asthma and allergy issues go hand in hand. Allergic asthma is one of the most common types affecting your child. The allergen present can cause a flare of IgE, which will worsen asthma symptoms. Worsening asthma symptoms cause an asthma attack. Asthma attacks are serious and require medical and pharmaceutical intervention.
To be treated effectively, your child needs testing for both things. Allergy testing involves using tiny needles with known allergens on the needle tips. The doctor will prick the child's back with a needle. If the skin reddens and develops a welt or hive, your child is allergic to that allergen. Although uncomfortable this test is not painful for the child.
Multiple tests at the same time with common allergens narrow down what causes your child's allergic reactions. We can also perform the same test with a blood draw, though it takes more time for the test results.
Asthma testing involves a full assessment by our pediatrician. They will ask you about symptoms and how long your child has had them. Your child may also have to undergo a test measuring airflow through the lungs. Treatment can be highly effective and may involve allergy medication and an inhaler to control asthma. The medical staff at Johns Creek Pediatrics in Suwanee & Cumming, GA, can answer all your asthma and allergy questions through a visit. Call us today at (770) 814-1160 to schedule your child's appointment.
