Asthma is a common, chronic condition affecting both children and adults. Asthma produces signs and symptoms which can affect the quality of life. Your doctor can help manage and treat asthma.

Signs and Symptoms of Asthma in Children

Asthma in children can be difficult to recognize, because signs may be subtle. These signs include:

• Wheezing or coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Recurrent bronchitis
• Tightness in the chest

Signs and Symptoms of Asthma in Adults

Adults have the same signs and symptoms as older children, including frequent episodes of:

• Severe coughing or wheezing
• Breathing issues
• Frequent episodes of bronchitis
• Chest tightness and pressure

The Link Between Asthma and Allergies

An asthma attack is often brought on by allergies, so one of the first steps in asthma treatment is testing for allergies. Common allergic substances, known as allergens, include plants, grasses, mold, dust mites, pet dander, peanuts, shellfish, and others.

Allergy Treatment for Adults and Children

Your doctor will refer you for testing for allergies using the most common method, skin testing. Another testing may include blood tests, and challenge tests, for food allergies. When your doctor has identified what you are allergic to, several allergy treatment options may be recommended, including:

• Allergy injections
• Sublingual immunotherapy

Asthma Treatment for Adults and Children

Your doctor may use spirometry and other testing methods to determine how well the lungs are working. When the degree of asthma severity is established, your doctor may recommend asthma treatment options, including:

• Rescue inhalers to relieve acute symptoms
• Long-term asthma medications to provide lasting relief of asthma symptoms

What You Need to Do

To find out more about asthma treatment for both adults and children, call Dr. Karen Vaughn, at Vaughn Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, in Bellmead, TX. You can reach her in the office by calling 254-335-5844, so call today.