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You should visit a pediatric pulmonologist if your child has persistent or recurrent episodes of cough, wheezing, breathing difficulty, breathlessness on exertion, respiratory infections, noisy breathing or any sleep related breathing issues like snoring.

Asthma can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic predisposition, exposure to environmental allergens (such as dust mite, mould, pet dander, or pollen), respiratory infections, and irritants like smoke or pollution. Multiple factors may trigger asthma attacks in a child. Family history of allergies plays an important role.

Symptoms of asthma in children can include frequent coughing, especially at night, wheezing (a whistling sound when breathing), shortness of breath, and tightness in the chest. If your child has these symptoms repeatedly, it is a good idea to see a pediatric pulmonologist for an evaluation and diagnosis.

Some children may experience improvement in symptoms as they get older, but asthma can be a lifelong condition. It is important to manage it effectively with the help of a pediatric pulmonologist to prevent flare-ups and complications.

Yes, secondhand smoke can significantly affect a child’s respiratory health. It can trigger asthma attacks, lead to chronic respiratory issues, and increase the risk of developing asthma or other lung diseases. It’s best to avoid smoking around your child, both indoors and outdoors.

Frequent colds that affect your child’s breathing can be a sign of asthma or other respiratory conditions, especially if they are accompanied by wheezing or coughing. It is important to consult with a pediatric pulmonologist for detailed evaluation.

Untreated or poorly managed asthma can lead to long-term lung damage, slower lung growth, more frequent hospitalizations, and a higher risk of severe asthma attacks. Managing asthma early and effectively can help prevent these complications.

Yes, the flu vaccine is especially important for children with asthma. Influenza can worsen asthma symptoms. The vaccine helps prevent the flu and reduces the risk of respiratory complications.

Nighttime breathing difficulties can be a sign of asthma, allergies, obstructive sleep apnea or other respiratory issues. Ensure your child uses their inhaler or prescribed medication before bedtime, keep the bedroom allergen-free, and elevate their head while sleeping if needed. If nighttime symptoms persist, consult with a pediatric pulmonologist for further evaluation.

Pediatric pulmonologists can help diagnose and treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children, which can cause interrupted sleep, snoring, and daytime fatigue. Treatment options may include lifestyle changes, such as weight management, and in some cases, the use of a CPAP or BIPAP machine or surgery if the child has enlarged tonsils or adenoids.

In most cases, children with asthma can and should participate in sports. With proper asthma management, including the use of inhalers and monitoring symptoms, children can overcome exercise induced symptoms. It is important to work with your child’s pediatric pulmonologist to ensure they are prepared for physical activity.

A pediatric pulmonologist may recommend a lung function test (spirometry) if your child has symptoms like wheezing, frequent coughing, or shortness of breath, or if there’s suspicion of asthma or another lung condition. The test measures how much air your child can inhale and exhale and how quickly they can do so, helping to assess lung health.

To reduce the risk of respiratory infections, encourage frequent handwashing, avoid exposure to sick individuals, provide a healthy balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, ensure your child is up-to-date with vaccinations (including the flu vaccine), and keep your home clean and free from allergens like mould or dust.

While lifestyle changes like avoiding triggers, breathing exercises and maintaining a healthy environment can help manage asthma, most children with asthma require some form of medication to control symptoms effectively. Cornerstone of asthma management is the use of inhalers.

Yes, asthma can develop even if there is no family history. While genetics can play a role, environmental factors such as exposure to allergens, respiratory infections, or pollutants can also trigger asthma in children.

Ensure that they are using a spacer (a device that helps deliver medication more effectively). Demonstrate proper inhaler technique to your child, as explained by your pediatric pulmonologist, and supervise the process. The correct technique of using an inhaler with spacer is demonstrated in this video. 

Yes, exposure to air pollution can worsen asthma and other respiratory conditions in children. Reducing outdoor activities on days with poor air quality and keeping indoor air clean can help protect your child’s lungs.

Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound that occurs when breathing, often during exhalation. It is caused by narrowed or inflamed airways and is commonly associated with conditions like asthma. If you hear this sound when your child is breathing, it is advisable to consult a pediatric pulmonologist for accurate diagnosis and management.