Did you know that asthma is the most common, chronic,childhood disease? It’s more commonly found in children who live in urban areas and more prevalent in African Americans than Caucasians, and in males more than females.
Asthma often runs in families. Children who have brothers, sisters or parents with asthma often will have asthma themselves. Asthma can also be caused by certain types of allergens.
Risk factors for childhood asthma include:
• Allergies – environmental or food
• Family history
• Frequent respiratory infections
• Secondhand smoke
• Living in an urban versus suburban area
• African American
• Low birth weight baby
Signs and symptoms:
• Rapid breathing
• Dark circles under the eyes
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Feeling tired or weak
• Chest pain on exertion
The Ambulatory Care Center at Flushing Hospital Medical Center offers a full range of pediatric allergy and asthma services. Please call 718-670-5486 for an appointment.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.