Asthma And Allergies Specialist
Palm Leaf Pediatrics
Pediatric Infectious Disease Specialists & Pediatricians located in Miami, FL
Asthma-related breathing issues affect over 6 million children in the United States. Maria Roberta Moro, MD, at Palm Leaf Pediatrics in Miami offers effective treatment options for managing asthma attacks and also provides comprehensive testing and treatment for allergies that can trigger asthma and other symptoms. She creates a custom treatment plan to ensure your child lives a healthy life without letting asthma or allergies interfere. Learn more about treatment options for your child’s asthma and allergies by calling Dr. Roberta Moro’s South Florida office or booking an appointment online today.
Asthma and Allergies Q & A
What is asthma?
Asthma is a serious and chronic illness that affects your child’s ability to effectively move air in and out of their lungs. With asthma, your child may experience episodes of coughing, rapid breathing, or wheezing. They might also often feel weak and tired.
Triggers of asthma can include:
- Allergies
- Family history of asthma
- Respiratory infections
Environmental factors such as cigarette smoke and chemicals, for example, may also cause children to develop asthma.
What causes allergies?
Allergies are the body’s overreaction to certain substances and can cause a variety of symptoms. Your child may have allergies triggered by:
- Dust
- Pollen
- Insect bites
- Certain foods
When your child comes into contact with environmental allergies, they may experience watery, itchy eyes, sneezing, and coughing. Allergies can also cause breathing problems and trigger asthma attacks.
Food allergies can be life-threatening in some children. Even small amounts of a food allergy trigger can result in a closing of your child’s airways that make it difficult to breathe. In addition, food allergies can cause uncomfortable gastrointestinal problems.
How are allergies and asthma diagnosed?
At Palm Leaf Pediatrics, Dr. Roberta Moro offers advanced testing options to confirm your child has asthma or allergies.
To diagnose asthma, Dr. Roberta Moro provides lung function tests which evaluate how much air your child can move through their lungs. She also reviews your child’s activities and health history to determine what triggers their asthma.
For allergies, Dr. Roberta Moro can administer a skin test that involves pricking the skin with potential allergens to assess the reaction your child’s body has. She may also perform blood tests to identify certain antibodies present in their blood. Food allergy testing may involve eliminating certain foods from your child’s diet to determine the source of allergic reactions.
What treatment options are available for allergies and asthma?
Depending on your child’s needs, Dr. Roberta Moro may recommend fast-acting or long-acting asthma medications to keep your child’s airway open.
For allergies, Dr. Roberta Moro may suggest over-the-counter or prescription medications to alleviate symptoms like runny or stuffy nose or coughing. Immunotherapy may also be an effective treatment option that works by exposing your child to allergy triggers to reduce the severity of their body’s reaction.
Dr. Roberta Moro can also work with you and your child to ensure you’re avoiding asthma and allergy triggers in the environment.
Find out more about available treatment options for asthma and allergies by calling Palm Leaf Pediatrics today or using the convenient online booking feature.