Pediatrics: Lillian Beard, M.D.

My doctor diagnosed my infant as pre-asthmatic. How serious is

By Lillian Beard, M.D.

Asthma, a chronic inflammatory disorder of the respiratory airways, is characterized by coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing. It is a serious, sometimes life threatening disorder which, if managed properly, can be controlled.

If there is a strong family history, especially on the mother's side, of allergies and asthma and the presence of certain environmental conditions (triggers) such as tobacco smoke, household pets, and dust mites, there is a greater probability for the children to develop the disorder. Perhaps your pediatrician is letting you know that your baby may be predisposed to asthma, based on your family history. You cannot alter your family tree, but you can make your home environment unwelcoming to the usual asthma and allergen triggers.

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