Asthma And Allergy Specialist

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic condition characterized by narrowed airways and difficulty moving air in and out of your lungs. Kids who have asthma may cough and wheeze when they breathe. Asthma can make it hard for kids to play sports or play outside. 

There is no cure for asthma, but treatment can help your child live a full and active life with minimal symptoms. At Dr. Soos Pediatrics, a significant part of the treatment process involves teaching kids to identify the things and scenarios that trigger their asthma and take steps to avoid those triggers. 

Medications can play a role in treating asthma. Many drugs work to reduce airway inflammation and improve airflow in and out of the lungs. Others work to alter the way the body reacts to allergens.

What are allergies?

Allergies occur when your immune system overreacts to certain substances that are otherwise not harmful. Most kids can encounter these substances with no problems, but kids with allergies can suffer serious symptoms, including hives, itching skin, swollen eyelids and lips, coughing, vomiting and nausea, or even diarrhea. 

Some common allergens include:

• Pollen
• Mold
• Animal dander
• Dust mites
• Peanuts
• Eggs
• Shellfish
• Latex
• Certain medications
• Insect stings

This is far from a comprehensive list. There are hundreds of substances that can trigger an allergic reaction.

The Dr. Soos Pediatrics team can help you find answers about which substances your child is allergic to through allergy testing or an elimination diet. Some services are available in-house, or your practitioner can refer you to an allergy specialist. 

Treatment options include medications to subdue an allergic reaction and immunotherapy, a treatment that focuses on exposing the body to minute volumes of various triggers to slowly build a tolerance. 

What is the link between allergies and asthma?

Many children suffer from both allergies and asthma. The conditions are linked because an allergic reaction to a trigger substance can also provoke airway inflammation.  

When your immune system reacts to a trigger, chemicals are released that can cause a runny nose, skin reactions, watery eyes, and other symptoms. In some kids, airway inflammation and breathing difficulties are a common reaction to an environmental allergen. 

Dr. Soos Pediatrics offers thorough diagnostic services to determine if your child has asthma or allergies. Once they reach a diagnosis, a customized treatment plan is devised to relieve symptoms and improve your child’s daily quality of life. 

Begin that process today by spending a few moments in the online scheduling page or by calling the office to find an appointment that works with your schedule. The practice also offers extended hours through their walk-in clinic.