Asthma Specialist
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Complete Pediatrics And Specialty Care
Pediatrics & Private Medical Practices located in New Albany, IN
Asthma is the most common chronic illness in children in the United States. At Complete Pediatrics and Specialty Care in New Albany, Indiana, experienced pediatrician Laleh Rezaei, MD, and Terri Renfrow, APRN provide comprehensive asthma care with regular follow-up visits to improve your child’s breathing and prevent asthma attacks. For expert asthma care for your child, contact the office by phone or through online booking today.
Asthma Q & A
What is asthma?
Asthma is a chronic condition that affects the airways in your lungs. In children with asthma, certain triggers cause the airways to swell and produce extra mucus, which makes it harder for your child to breathe.
For some children, asthma may interfere with everyday activities, such as playing with friends on the playground or participating in sports. When left unmanaged, childhood asthma may permanently affect lung function and lead to serious asthma attacks that require emergency medical care.
What are the symptoms of asthma?
Asthma symptoms may vary in children and may improve or worsen over time.
Common asthma symptoms include:
- Frequent coughing
- Coughing that worsens with a viral infection
- Wheezing or whistling when exhaling
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
- Chest congestion
- Difficulty sleeping
- Prolonged recovery from respiratory infections
It’s not uncommon for children to have only one asthma symptom, such as a lingering cough, which can make getting an accurate diagnosis difficult. If you have concerns about asthma, Complete Pediatrics and Specialty Care can help. Early diagnosis and treatment may help control symptoms and prevent lung damage and asthma attacks.
How is asthma diagnosed?
The providers at Complete Pediatrics and Specialty Care conduct a comprehensive evaluation to diagnose asthma and identify your child’s triggers. To diagnose asthma, they review your child’s symptoms, medical history, and your family history.
They also utilize diagnostic testing to rule out other causes of your child’s symptoms and determine your child’s asthma triggers.
Testing may include:
- Lung function test
- Urinalysis
- Blood test
- Stool analysis
- Allergy testing
Complete Pediatrics and Specialty Care provides specialized functional medicine test kits and obtains the blood for analysis.
How is asthma treated?
The team at Complete Pediatrics and Specialty Care develops individualized treatment plans for your child’s asthma based on results of your child’s testing and the severity of the condition. In mild cases, your child may not require medical treatment other than close monitoring and regular follow-up care.
For moderate-to-severe asthma, your provider may suggest long-term medication that prevents lung inflammation, such as:
- Inhaled corticosteroids
- Oral medications
- Immunomodulatory agents
Complete Pediatrics and Specialty Care also provides medications to help you manage an acute asthma attack, such as an inhaled bronchodilator or oral steroids. They also talk to you about your child’s asthma triggers and how to avoid them to minimize attacks.
The practice also schedules regular follow-up visits to monitor your child’s asthma and adjust treatment as needed. Telemedicine visits can be used for follow-up care.
For expert asthma care for your child, call Complete Pediatrics and Specialty Care or book an appointment through the online tool today.
