CAREABOUTKIDS

PARENTS: Many parents realize that their children have asthma before their physicians do. An accurate diagnosis, however, is most important in helping to determine an appropriate individualized treatment program. Physicians specializing in allergy/ immunology have special skills in the area of asthma management.The allergy and asthma specialist will detect and determine those environmental elements (pollen, molds, dust mites, animal danders worksplace chemicals) which may be causing a patient's asthma condition. A careful medical history, physical examination, selective allergy skin testing and lung function studies are typically performed. Allergy blood tests, home and workplace evaluations, and x-rays of the sinuses and lungs may be required as well. The most important step in the initial treatment of asthma is making the right diagnosis.MY WORD:Colds can often be mistaken for allergies.