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Health Topics > Asthma

Asthma affects almost five million children in the United States today. It is a chronic disease of the tubes that carry air to the lungs. Asthma can be triggered by environmental factors including dust and dust mites, cockroaches, animals, molds and secondhand cigarette smoke.

It is important for parents to recognize the symptoms and triggers of asthma attacks. With asthma, a person's lungs are constantly inflamed. During an asthma attack, the inflammation become hyperreactive causing spasms, blockages, wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath.

The number of children with asthma is increasing although we do not know exactly why. Studies show that children with early exposure to environmental conditions such farms or pets are less likely to develop allergies as they grow up.

JJ Pediatrics can help treat asthma with medications and lifestyle and environment changes. If a child experiences severe asthma or allergies, JJ Pediatrics may refer them to a pediatric allergist/immunologist, a specialty doctor trained in allergy, asthma, and immunology.

For more information on asthma resources in Arizona, please visit:

 
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