Asthma And Allergies Specialist
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Valley of the Sun Pediatrics
Board Certified Pediatricians located in Peoria, AZ & Glendale, AZ
Asthma and allergies commonly cause coughing, sneezing, congestion, and an itchy nose and eyes. If your child is suffering, The team at Valley of the Sun Pediatrics treat asthma and allergies in children of all ages. Contact one of the convenient offices in Peoria and Glendale, Arizona, by phone or online today for an appointment.
Asthma and Allergies Q&A
What is asthma?
Asthma is a chronic lung condition in which inflammation narrows the child's air passageway. Those with asthma frequently experience:
- Coughing
- Chest tightness
- Wheezing
- Sleep/concentration problems
- Shortness of breath
If your child has asthma, breathing in an irritant causes their airways to constrict. Inflammation and constricted airways can trigger cells to produce thick mucus.
When these effects build up together, asthma symptoms make breathing very difficult. Symptoms can vary, but many children with asthma experience coughing early in the morning and in the evening.
What are allergies?
Allergies develop as a result of an overactive immune response. They begin when a substance in the air or environment, called an allergen, enters the child’s body.
Children can be exposed to an allergen either through consuming it, breathing it in, or touching it. When an allergen reacts with a child’s immune system, he or she has an irregular or aggravated immune response.
Allergies frequently show symptoms like:
- Coughing
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Itchy, runny nose
- Sneezing
- Nasal and/or sinus congestion
- Hives
- Rashes
- Feeling tired or ill
Food and insect allergies cause other symptoms, like cramps, nausea and vomiting, localized swelling, and pain.
What treatments are used for asthma and allergies?
In most cases, the Valley of the Sun Pediatrics team uses two types of medications to help treat children with asthma symptoms: long-term medications and rescue, or quick-relief, medications.
Inhalers are commonly used to treat asthma and can provide relief from inflammation and irritation. These inhaled medications will usually be a form of steroid. Rescue inhalers are created to treat the severe asthma symptoms that come on suddenly.
Medications that help manage allergy symptoms include:
- Antihistamines
- Decongestants
- Nasal sprays
- Eye drops
- Allergy shots
Antihistamines work by relieving sneezing, itching, and congestion, while decongestants and nasal sprays clear breathing passageways. Eye drops manage itchy, watery eyes. Allergy shots can ease symptoms and immune over-reactions by helping the body to control its immune response.
To get help for your child’s allergies or asthma symptoms, contact the Valley of the Sun Pediatrics office nearest you today to schedule a consultation. You can also request an appointment online.