Asthma Management
Comprehensive asthma care to help your child breathe easier and live an active, healthy life
Schedule an AppointmentComprehensive Asthma Care
Asthma is one of the most common chronic conditions in children. We provide comprehensive asthma management focusing on accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and education. We work closely with families to develop personalized asthma action plans that help children lead full, active lives.
Our Asthma Services
- Thorough Evaluation and Diagnosis - Medical history, physical examination, and symptom assessment
- Personalized Asthma Action Plans - Written plans for daily management and flare-ups
- Medication Management - Controller and rescue medication prescribing and monitoring
- Trigger Identification - Identify and minimize exposure to asthma triggers
- Inhaler Technique Training - Proper use of inhalers, spacers, and delivery devices
- Regular Monitoring - Follow-ups to assess control and adjust treatment
- School Coordination - Documentation and medication instructions for school
- Exercise & Sports Guidance - Helping active children manage exercise-induced symptoms
Asthma Action Plans
Every child with asthma receives a personalized asthma action plan that includes:
- Daily medications and how to use them
- How to recognize worsening symptoms
- What to do during a flare-up or asthma attack
- When to call the doctor or seek emergency care
- Trigger avoidance strategies specific to your child
Medication Management
Controller Medications
- Inhaled corticosteroids for long-term control
- Combination inhalers when needed
- Leukotriene modifiers for specific cases
- Step-up and step-down approaches to minimize medication while maintaining control
Rescue Medications
- Short-acting bronchodilators (albuterol) for quick relief
- Proper technique for emergency use
- Recognizing when rescue medication use indicates poor control
Trigger Identification & Management
We help families identify and manage common asthma triggers:
- Environmental allergens (dust mites, pet dander, pollen, mold)
- Respiratory infections (colds, flu)
- Exercise and physical activity
- Weather changes and cold air
- Strong odors, smoke, and air pollution
- Emotional stress and excitement
What We Provide
- Age-appropriate education about asthma and how it affects breathing
- Hands-on inhaler and spacer technique training
- Written asthma action plans for home and school
- Environmental control strategies to reduce trigger exposure
- Emergency response planning for asthma attacks
- Self-management skills for age-appropriate involvement in care
- Coordination with schools for medication administration
Important Note
While we provide comprehensive asthma management, we do not perform advanced pulmonary function testing or specialized procedures in our office. If these services are needed, we will provide appropriate referrals to pediatric pulmonologists while continuing to coordinate your child's overall care.
When to Seek Care
Schedule an appointment if your child experiences:
- Recurrent coughing, especially at night or with exercise
- Wheezing or whistling sound when breathing
- Shortness of breath or rapid breathing
- Chest tightness or complaints that "my chest hurts"
- Frequent use of rescue inhaler (more than 2 days per week)
- Symptoms that interfere with sleep, school, or activities
- Poor response to current asthma medications
Seek Emergency Care If:
- Severe difficulty breathing or speaking in short phrases
- Bluish color to lips or face
- No improvement after using rescue inhaler
- Extreme difficulty breathing or using chest and neck muscles to breathe
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my child has asthma or just frequent colds?
Asthma typically involves recurrent episodes of wheezing, coughing (especially at night or with exercise), shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Colds usually improve within a week, while asthma symptoms persist or keep coming back. If your child has had several episodes of wheezing, coughing that lasts weeks after colds, or breathing problems with exercise, asthma evaluation is appropriate.
Will daily controller medication make my child dependent on it?
No. Controller medications work by reducing inflammation in the airways, similar to how you might take medication to control high blood pressure. They don't cause dependency. In fact, uncontrolled asthma can cause permanent changes to the airways. Proper daily medication helps prevent these changes and allows many children to eventually reduce or stop medication as they grow.
Can my child with asthma play sports?
Absolutely! With proper management, children with asthma can participate fully in sports and physical activities. Many Olympic athletes have asthma. We'll work with you to ensure your child uses their medications correctly, warms up properly, and recognizes early warning signs. We serve young athletes throughout Bordentown, Allentown, East Windsor, and the Princeton area.
How often should we use the rescue inhaler?
The rescue inhaler (usually albuterol) should be used only as needed for symptoms. If your child needs it more than twice a week (not counting use before exercise), their asthma isn't well-controlled and we should adjust their treatment plan. Regular use of a rescue inhaler indicates the need for controller medication, not increased rescue inhaler use.
Will my child outgrow asthma?
Some children's asthma improves or resolves as they grow, particularly those with mild asthma that started in early childhood. However, asthma can return in adulthood, and some children continue to have asthma throughout life. Regardless, proper management now helps protect lung function and allows your child to participate fully in activities while young.
What's the difference between a nebulizer and an inhaler?
Both deliver the same medication to the lungs. Nebulizers turn liquid medication into a mist using a machine and mask, taking 5-10 minutes. Inhalers with spacers deliver medication directly and work just as effectively in about 30 seconds. Inhalers are more portable and convenient, making them our preferred option for most children old enough to coordinate breathing with puffs (typically over 4 years).
Schedule an Asthma Evaluation
If you're concerned about possible asthma in your child, contact us to schedule an evaluation. Early diagnosis and proper management can help your child participate fully in activities and sleep better at night.
Request an AppointmentRelated Services
Have Questions?
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Insurance
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