PEDIATRIC ASTHMA

What is Asthma?

Asthma symptoms can be mild or severe. They can come and go. An asthma "attack" is when symptoms start suddenly. This can be scary. It happens when the airways in the lungs become constricted.

What are the symptoms of asthma? Asthma symptoms can include:

●Wheezing, or noisy breathing

●Coughing, often at night or early in the morning, or during exercise

●Tight feeling in the chest

●Symptoms can happen each day, each week, or less often. Symptoms can range from mild to severe.

Can Asthma be treated at Urgent Care?

Yes! Ocean Urgent Care is a great place for asthma treatment. Asthma is treated with different types of medicines. The medicines can be inhalers, liquids, or Nebulizers.

Your doctor will prescribe medicine based on your child's age and symptoms. Asthma can be quickly treated with:

• Nebulizer treatments.

• Metered dose inhalers.

Are these treatments provided by Ocean Urgent care?

Yes! Our providers prescribe inhalers. We also provide nebulized treatment for urgent cases.

Can asthma symptoms be prevented?

There are things that you and your child can do to help prevent asthma attacks. Your doctor or nurse will talk to you about what is most important for your child. In general, you can:

●Lower your child's risk of getting sick – In children, viral infections are a common asthma "trigger." (Triggers are things that make symptoms worse.) Keep vaccinations current.

●Avoid other triggers – Other common triggers include smoke, air pollution, dust, mold, pollen, strong chemicals or smells, and very cold or dry air. Exercise and exertion can also be triggers.

●Know how and when to give your child their medicines – If your child takes controller medicines, it's important to follow all of the instructions to help prevent symptoms. You should also make sure that you know how and when to give their quick-relief medicine.

When should I call the doctor?

Call for an ambulance (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if your child has severe symptoms during an asthma attack like:

●They have so much trouble breathing that they cannot talk.

●The skin and muscles around their ribs are pulling in with each breath (called "retractions").

• Their lips or fingernails turn gray or blue.
• They are very drowsy or not responding normally

Where can I purchase a nebulizer machine? 

Fun nebulizer machines can be purchased at our store:

Are there Children’s books to help my child manage asthma?

Yes "My First Inhaler"    is an excellent reference for children.

References: American Lung association, 2023