Did you know that asthma is the most common chronic childhood disease?\u00a0 It is more commonly found in children who live in the inner city and more prevalent in African Americans than Caucasians, and in males more often than females.<\/p>\n
Asthma often runs in families. Children who have brothers or sisters or parents with asthma often will have asthma themselves. Asthma can also be caused by certain types of allergens.<\/p>\n
Risk factors for childhood asthma include:<\/p>\n
\u2022\u00a0Allergies \u2013 environmental or food
\n\u2022\u00a0Family history
\n\u2022\u00a0Frequent respiratory infections
\n\u2022\u00a0Being in an environment with second hand smoke
\n\u2022\u00a0Living in an inner city versus in a suburban area
\n\u2022\u00a0African American
\n\u2022\u00a0Low birth weight baby.<\/p>\n
Signs and symptoms:<\/p>\n
\u2022\u00a0Rapid breathing
\n\u2022\u00a0Dark circles under the eyes
\n\u2022\u00a0Shortness of breath
\n\u2022\u00a0Wheezing
\n\u2022\u00a0Feeling tired or weak
\n\u2022\u00a0Chest pain on exertion<\/p>\n
If you would like to have your child evaluated for asthma, please contact the ambulatory care center at Jamaica Hospital at 718-206-7001 for an appointment.<\/p>\n
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.<\/strong> <\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Did you know that asthma is the most common chronic childhood disease?\u00a0 It is more commonly found in children who live in the inner city and more prevalent in African Americans than Caucasians, and in males more often than females. … Continue reading