Types of long-term control medications include the following: Long-term control, or maintenance, medications are usually taken daily. This stepwise approach may result in changes up or down over time, depending on each child's response to treatment and overall growth and development, as well as on seasonal changes or changes in activity levels. If your doctor determines at some point that your child is using a short-acting drug too often, then the long-term treatment will be stepped up to a higher dose or additional medication. When it is stable for a period of time, your doctor may then step down the treatment, so that your child takes the minimum drug treatment needed to remain stable. This means that initially the type or dosage of treatment may be increased until the asthma is stable. The goal is overall management with a minimum number of asthma attacks that require short-term treatment. Your doctor will use a stepwise approach for treating your child's asthma. If you have followed the instructions and there is no improvement within the trial period, your doctor will likely consider another diagnosis. It's important for you to keep track of your child's symptoms during a treatment trial and to follow instructions carefully. Improvement during the next four to six weeks would support a diagnosis and lay the groundwork for an ongoing treatment plan. If the symptoms are more regular or severe, your doctor will likely begin a drug for long-term management. If breathing improves in the time and manner expected for that treatment, the improved breathing would support a diagnosis of asthma. If your child has relatively mild and infrequent symptoms, he or she may take a short-acting drug. If your doctor suspects your child has asthma, he or she will likely prescribe a trial treatment. A skin or a blood test may indicate if your child is allergic to a suspected or likely allergen. It may also be used to rule out other conditions. A chest X-ray may reveal changes in the lung when asthma is moderate to severe. Your doctor can measure the levels of certain white blood cells that may be elevated in response to infections. Is your child exposed to cigarette smoke or other airborne irritants?.Does your child have any known pollen, dust, pet or food allergies?.Has your child needed emergency care for breathing difficulties?.How often do episodes of breathing difficulty occur?.Do the symptoms accompany a cold or are they unrelated to colds?.Does coughing wake your child at night?.Your doctor will likely ask a number of questions, such as the following: If your child under age 5 has symptoms that might indicate asthma, your doctor or asthma specialist will likely use several pieces of information to make a diagnosis. Trouble speaking because of restricted breathing.Breathing in so hard that the abdomen is sucked under the ribs.Signs and symptoms of an asthma emergency in children under age 5 include: Severe asthma attacks can be life-threatening and require emergency room treatment. Strong emotional reactions, such as crying or laughing.Exposure to cigarette smoke or other airborne irritants.Allergy-causing agents (allergens), such as dust, pet dander or pollen.Seasonal changes based on prevalent infections or allergy triggersĪsthma symptoms may be triggered or worsened by certain events:.Frequent or chronic symptoms with episodes of worse wheezing and coughing.Short periods of coughing and wheezing between periods of time with no symptoms.The severity and patterns of symptoms may vary:
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