Stamford Allergy and Asthma

As in the case with allergies, it's possible to become asthmatic at any age. Like an allergy, asthma is the body's response to something it perceives as harmful.Technically speaking, asthma is not an allergy, but its breathing problems may be triggered by the same substances that trigger allergies, such as pet dander, pollen, or a type of food. In such cases, this type of asthma is labeled allergic asthma or allergy-induced asthma. However substances need not be involved in an asthma attack. Many asthma sufferers report that their breathing problems can be triggered by cold air, stress, exercise, or even gastro-esophageal reflux.

Asthma tends to run in families, as do allergies. So for many people, especially those with hay fever, having an allergy puts them at added risk for developing asthma sometime during their lifetime.And similar to allergies, there is no age limit on developing asthma - at either end of the life spectrum. Childhood asthma is quite common in our area and many of our Stamford Allergy and Asthma patients are children.

Pediatric Asthma presents the same symptoms as Adult onset Asthma. In both conditions, the lungs and airways become inflamed in the presence of a trigger, resulting in breathing problems. However children face unique challenges in dealing with asthma. Not only is childhood asthma the leading cause of emergency room visits, often in the middle of the night, but it results in numerous school absences, putting children at a disadvantage in keeping up with their classmates' learning. it may also mean they cannot participate in sports.

While there is no cure for adult or pediatric asthma, both can be controlled with the right treatment. The key is getting treated early. So if your child is suffering from any of the following symptoms ---

 

• chest congestion

• wheezing

• shortness of breath

• nighttime coughing

• coughing brought on by exercise or cold air.

----- call us at Stamford Allergy and Asthma so Dr Coleman can test him/her - or perhaps, test you, for as we said, asthma and breathing problems know no age limit .