Asthma & Allergies

Asthma & Allergies services offered in Joplin, MO

If your child has watery eyes, a stuffy nose, coughing, or wheezing, they may have asthma and allergies. Pediatric Associates of Southwest Missouri in Joplin, Missouri, offers highly effective treatments for asthma and allergies to reduce symptoms. While asthma is a separate condition that can often occur alongside allergies, the amazing team is skilled at identifying and treating both conditions. Call the office to learn more about your child’s treatment options and to schedule an appointment or request one online at your convenience.

What are asthma and allergies?

Asthma often accompanies allergies. It’s a lung condition that narrows your airways, making it difficult to get a full breath of air — especially when you exercise. The substances that trigger your allergies may also cause you to have asthma, known as allergic asthma.

Allergies refer to the body’s reaction to certain substances, such as pollen, mold, insect stings, and pet dander. Your child can also be allergic to certain foods, medicines, or latex. Some allergic reactions are severe and even life-threatening, but treatment can diminish or eliminate problematic symptoms associated with allergies.

*If your child is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital

What are the symptoms of asthma and allergies?

The signs of asthma are similar to allergies, with common symptoms such as:

Shortness of breath
Ches tightness
Frequent coughing
Whistling or wheezing sound when exhaling

While the most common symptoms of allergies include:

Watery, red eyes
Stuffy or runny nose
Sneezing
Coughing
Itchy skin
Rash
Swelling
Difficulty breathing

It’s vital to seek treatment from the pediatric Associates of Southwest Missouri team at the first sign of troublesome symptoms of asthma and allergies.

While the cause of asthma and allergies isn’t known, a family history of asthma or allergies might increase your chances of developing these conditions. Children are also more likely to develop allergies than adults.

How are allergies and asthma diagnosed?

The skilled team can detect asthma and allergies using a variety of diagnostic tests.

First, the team reviews your child’s personal and family medical histories, symptoms, current medications, and diet and exercise habits. A skin prick test, blood test, or skin patch testing helps determine which allergens your child might be allergic to.

Breathing tests allow the team to rule out if your child has asthma. Your provider then develops a treatment to reduce your child’s symptoms and lessen the risk of any complications.

How does my child’s pediatrician treat asthma and allergies?

The team at Pediatric Associates of Southwest Missouri offers a variety of treatments for asthma and allergies. They can prescribe medications to reduce your child’s symptoms, including an inhaler for asthma.

Allergy shots are also an option, and emergency epinephrine or epi-pen might be prescribed for your child to have on hand to treat severe allergic reactions. Your child may need to avoid specific allergens, such as certain foods, medications, latex, or pets.

The team tailors each treatment to maximize your child’s quality of life. To receive conservative care for asthma and allergies, call Pediatric Associates of Southwest Missouri to schedule an appointment or book online today.