Asthma, a common health issue in children, is a condition in which lung airways get narrow due to inflammation, and start producing excessive mucus. Besides triggering coughing and wheezing, asthma can also lead to breathlessness that can go from bad to worse in no time. It is, therefore, important to seek medical intervention at the earliest. While you can always count on Meddo to connect you with trusted pediatricians in Gurgaon and Delhi, it helps to be informed. On that note, let us look at some of the commonly prescribed treatment options for asthma in children.
Medicines
If you see any symptoms of allergic asthma in your child, waste no time in consulting a pediatrician specialized in asthma treatment, who can prescribe a suitable course of treatment. To manage asthma symptoms in children, doctors usually prescribe two types of medicines:
Fast Relief
Fast relief medicines widen the lung airways to provide a short-term relief from asthma attack. In some cases, these medicines can also be taken before exercise to prevent an asthma attack. Taken strictly need-based, some of the common fast relief medicines are Albuterol, Proventil HFA, ProAir HFA, Ventolin HFA, and Prednisolone.
Long-Term Control
Long-term controller medicines aims to deliver relatively longer respite from asthma attacks. Doctors prescribe these medicines to children who usually get asthma attacks more than twice a week. These include:
- Fluticasone (Flovent)
- Budesonide (Pulmicort)
- Salmeterol (Advair)
- Montelukast (Singulair)
NOTE: The medicines we have listed are commonly included in asthma treatment but should be consumed only after consulting a pediatrician specialized in asthma treatment.
Ways of taking Asthma Medicines
- Nebulizer: A machine that turns the medicine into a mist that your child can breathe in through a mask.
- Inhaler: a tube-like machine that your child presses to release the medicine into their lungs while they take a breath.
- Chewable pills: Only one medicine (montelukast) comes in the form of chewable pills that your child can swallow easily.
Allergy Treatment
The treatment for asthma may include anti-allergic medicines such as Antihistamines and immunotherapy. Antihistamines block the effects of histamine (a chemical the body releases in response to an allergy trigger), and is generally to be taken right before bedtime as it causes drowsiness. Immunotherapy, on the other hand, aims to reduce the susceptibility of a child to allergy triggers or attacks.
Read related- Tips to Prevent Childhood Asthma
Other Ways to Prevent Allergic Asthma
- Wash your child’s blankets and sheets in hot water at least once a week.
- Dust and vacuum your home often to get rid of pollen or dust.
- Clean up the mold collected in damp areas of your home, such as the bathroom.
- If your child is allergic to pollen, keep them indoors on days when the pollen count is high.
Wrap Up
Preventive care is the best way to reduce the impact of asthma on a child, which can even eliminate the problem from the root. Besides routine checkup, you must also consider visiting a child specialist in Delhi or Gurgaon, if you notice sudden or unexplained changes in your child’s health. Simply use a trusted clinic chain aggregator platform such as Meddo to find the best pediatricians in Delhi, Gurgaon, and other parts of NCR. To book an appointment with a pediatrician near you, click here.
