Asthma and Allergies

Asthma and allergies are among the most common chronic conditions in children, affecting their ability to breathe, play, and enjoy daily life. The severity of childhood asthma and allergies varies from child to child, and in some cases, these conditions can lead to serious medical emergencies.

At Comprehensive Pediatric Care in Dallas, Sunnyvale, Mesquite, and Garland, Texas, Dr. Meenu Jindal specializes in evaluating the whole child, not just treating symptoms. Our goal is to identify asthma and allergy triggers, provide personalized treatments, and explore holistic approaches that improve your child’s quality of life—whether through medication, lifestyle changes, or allergy management strategies.

If your child experiences wheezing, recurrent cough, chronic cough, seasonal allergies, food allergies, or difficulty breathing, contact us today or book an appointment online for a comprehensive asthma and allergy evaluation.

What is Childhood Asthma?

Asthma in children occurs when the airways in the lungs become inflamed and hypersensitive to triggers like dust, pollen, smoke, or pet dander. When exposed to these irritants, the bronchi (narrow airways in the lungs) spasm, making it hard to breathe.

Many children with pediatric asthma also suffer from seasonal allergies or food allergies, which can trigger or worsen asthma symptoms. RSV bronchiolitis in infancy may also increase a child's risk of developing asthma later in life.

Why Do Allergies Develop in Children?

Childhood allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to substances that are normally harmless, such as pollen, pet dander, or certain foods. When an allergen enters the body, the immune system releases histamines, which cause itchy eyes, sneezing, rashes, or even severe reactions like anaphylaxis.

The most common type of allergy in children is allergic rhinitis (hay fever), triggered by pollen, dust mites, or mold. While pollen allergies in children are often seasonal, some kids experience year-round symptoms due to indoor allergens.

What Triggers Asthma & Allergies in Kids?

Common triggers for childhood asthma and allergies include:

✔ Pollen (grass, trees, weeds) – A major cause of seasonal allergies in children
✔ Dust mites – Found in bedding, carpets, and stuffed animals
✔ Pet dander – A common trigger for childhood asthma and allergy symptoms
✔ Mold spores – Can worsen chronic cough and wheezing in children
✔ Cockroaches & insect stings – Can cause severe allergic reactions
✔ Secondhand smoke & air pollution – Major contributors to asthma attacks
✔ Food allergies in children – Common culprits include:

• Nut allergies (peanuts, tree nuts)
• Dairy, eggs, wheat, soy, fish, and shellfish

If your child has RSV bronchiolitis as an infant, they may also be at higher risk for developing asthma later in childhood.

What Are the Symptoms of Asthma in Children?

The frequency and severity of asthma symptoms in children can vary, but common signs include:

🔹 Recurrent cough or chronic cough that worsens at night or during exercise
🔹 Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
🔹 Wheezing (whistling sound when breathing)
🔹 Chest tightness or discomfort

If your child has frequent respiratory infections, persistent cough, or trouble breathing after playing, they may need an asthma evaluation.

What Are the Symptoms of Allergies in Children?

Allergy symptoms in kids can sometimes resemble a common cold, but if symptoms last more than two weeks, allergies may be the cause. Common symptoms include:

✅ Runny or itchy nose (common with pollen allergies in children)
✅ Itchy, watery eyes
✅ Nasal congestion & sneezing
✅ Frequent ear infections in young children
✅ Skin rashes or hives (common with food allergies in children)
✅ Stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea (signs of a nut allergy or food sensitivity)

If your child experiences chronic allergy symptoms or severe allergic reactions, an allergy test can help identify triggers.

Why Is Early Treatment for Asthma & Allergies Important?

At Comprehensive Pediatric Care, we believe in proactive, whole-child care for asthma and allergies. Our goal is to improve your child’s quality of life by helping them breathe easier, sleep better, and stay active without frequent symptoms.

Without proper treatment, childhood asthma can lead to:

⚠ Frequent asthma attacks that require emergency care
⚠ Missed school days due to severe allergy or asthma symptoms
⚠ Limited participation in sports or outdoor activities

Some allergies in children—especially food allergies and nut allergies—can cause life-threatening anaphylactic reactions. That’s why it’s essential for parents to know how to manage and prevent severe allergy symptoms.

How We Treat Childhood Asthma & Allergies

We take a holistic approach to treating asthma, recurrent cough, chronic cough, and allergies in children, focusing on long-term management and symptom control. Treatment options include:

💨 Asthma inhalers & nebulizers for easier breathing
🌱 Allergy testing to identify triggers and create a personalized treatment plan
🌿 Environmental modifications to reduce pollen allergies, dust exposure, and pet dander
🩺 Emergency action plans for severe nut allergy reactions or asthma attacks
📚 Education for parents on managing asthma and allergies at home

We don’t just focus on medications—we help families find holistic ways to prevent asthma attacks and allergic reactions, so children can thrive in school, sports, and daily life.

📍 We treat children in Dallas, Sunnyvale, Mesquite, and Garland, Texas.
📞 Call us today or book an appointment online to give your child the best care for childhood asthma and allergies.

 

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