Asthma Evaluation for Children in Orange City, FL

At Town Center Family Practice, we are committed to providing comprehensive asthma evaluations for children, ensuring accurate diagnosis and effective management of asthma in young patients. Our dedicated team prioritizes helping children lead healthy, active lives by developing personalized care plans.

Medical History:

Our healthcare providers will gather detailed information about your child’s symptoms, including coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. We explore the frequency, timing, and potential triggers of these symptoms, along with any family history of asthma or respiratory conditions. A review of your child’s past medical history, including any respiratory infections or treatments, is also conducted to provide a complete understanding of their health.

Physical Examination:

During the examination, our providers carefully assess the lungs, listening for wheezing or other abnormal breath sounds. We also evaluate breathing patterns, respiratory rate, and chest expansion, checking for signs of allergies like nasal congestion or skin reactions, which often accompany asthma.

Lung Function Tests:

At Town Center Family Practice, we utilize spirometry to measure lung volume and airflow, helping us assess lung function and identify potential airway obstruction. For younger children unable to perform spirometry, alternative tests like impulse oscillometry may be considered. A peak flow meter is also used to determine how quickly your child can exhale.

Imaging Studies:

To rule out other conditions with similar symptoms, we may order a chest X-ray or CT scan. These imaging studies help ensure an accurate diagnosis by identifying any lung abnormalities.

Based on the results of these evaluations, our healthcare providers will:

• Develop a personalized treatment plan, which may include medications such as inhalers and controllers, lifestyle modifications to avoid triggers, and exercise recommendations.
• Provide education on asthma management and prevention to empower families.

Asthma can present in various forms, and recognizing the symptoms is crucial for your child’s health and well-being. Our team is here to help you identify potential signs and provide comprehensive care tailored to your child’s needs.

Common Respiratory Symptoms to Watch For:

• Persistent coughing, especially noticeable at night or following physical activity
• Wheezing or producing whistling sounds during breathing
• Experiencing shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing

Additional Signs of Concern:

• Sensation of chest tightness or discomfort
• Repeated colds or respiratory infections that are difficult to clear
• Fatigue or difficulty keeping up during physical activities
• Skin reactions like eczema, which may indicate allergies

If your child frequently encounters these symptoms, especially in connection with triggers like exercise, allergens, or weather changes, it is essential to consider a professional evaluation. At Town Center Family Practice, our skilled healthcare providers can perform a thorough assessment, which may include:

• Detailed physical examinations
• Imaging tests like chest X-rays

Asthma can manifest in various ways, and identifying these signs early can lead to better outcomes.

• Frequent Coughing: If your child experiences regular coughing, particularly at night, during exercise, or when laughing, this could be an early sign of asthma. This cough might not always be productive, meaning it doesn’t necessarily produce mucus.
• Wheezing: Listen for high-pitched whistling or squeaky sounds when your child breathes, especially during exhalation. Wheezing often signifies airway narrowing.
• Chest Tightness: Your child might describe a sensation of pressure or heaviness in the chest and difficulty breathing.
• Fatigue and Reduced Stamina: Asthma can cause your child to become unusually tired, tire quickly, or avoid activities they once enjoyed.
• Rapid Breathing: Pay attention to fast breathing rates, especially when your child isn’t physically active.
• Frequent Colds: Regular colds and respiratory infections can worsen asthma symptoms, highlighting increased airway sensitivity.

Asthma evaluation for children is designed to accurately diagnose the condition and assess its severity, allowing us to tailor a management plan that meets each child’s unique needs.

Our evaluation process begins with a detailed medical history and a thorough physical examination conducted by our experienced healthcare team. We take the time to understand your child’s symptoms, their frequency, and any potential triggers such as allergens or physical activity.

Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) are a cornerstone of our diagnostic approach:

• Spirometry: We measure how much air your child can inhale and exhale, and how quickly, to assess lung function and identify any airflow obstruction indicative of asthma. For younger children who may find spirometry challenging, we offer alternative methods like impulse oscillometry, which requires less effort.
• Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF): This test helps us monitor your child’s condition over time by measuring how fast they can exhale through a small tube, aiding in identifying patterns and triggers.

Bronchodilator Responsiveness Test: We perform spirometry before and after administering a bronchodilator to see if there’s a significant improvement in airflow, which would suggest reversible airway narrowing contributing to asthma.

For children experiencing symptoms triggered by exercise, we conduct an Exercise Challenge Test to confirm a diagnosis of exercise-induced asthma.

Our goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of your child’s respiratory health, helping us confirm an asthma diagnosis and develop an effective, personalized management plan. We are committed to working closely with you and your child to ensure they receive the best possible care. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are located at 1642 N. Volusia Ave, Orange City, FL 32763. We serve patients from Orange City FL, DeLand FL, Deltona FL, DeBary FL, Lake Monroe FL, Sanford FL, and surrounding areas.