Pollen, dust mites, molds, and pets are all common allergies that many suffer from. Occasionally, your body can mistakenly identify these as a threat. The body produces antibodies to try to fight off the threat and it is these antibodies that produce reactions. Depending on the allergen, you can have sneezing, swollen eyes, or a runny nose.

How do we Test Allergies?

Skin prick testing can be done on pediatric and adult patients and it is the most common allergy test performed. This test is simple and safe with results provided within 15-20 minutes. This will give you the opportunity to receive a diagnosis and management plan during your appointment.

Full Allergy Testing and Therapy

Prana Health’s staff can perform breathing tests and in-house scopes, tailor an asthma education plan, and enroll your child in our state-of-the-art inhaler monitoring program. As we monitor the need for the inhaler, we will look for early signs of worsening asthma. This monitoring allows us to step in quickly and adjust medications when needed. Prana Health can provide pulmonary function testing starting at age three as well as respiratory education with air quality testing within the home.

Why Is Sleep So Important For Children?

“Children need to dream to be able to learn and they need to learn to be able to dream.”

Obstructive Sleep Apnea In Children

Children present symptoms for sleep apnea differently than adults. Some symptoms can be heavy breathing, restless sleep, coughing, or mouth breathing. Children will not usually snore loudly nor exhibit noticeable pauses in their breathing. Sleep apnea increases the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease in children. It can also worsen seizures and affect asthma control. If left undiagnosed, the child’s brain cells can be greatly affected; causing a decline in their IQ more than lead poisoning.

Asthma can make breathing difficult due to inflammation in the airways. Children have smaller airways that can become easily inflamed when exposed to any triggers. Inhalation of pollen, a cold, allergens, exercise, or even seasons of weather can all be asthma triggers. Asthma interferes with day to day activities, sports, school, and sleep.

What Are Symptoms of Asthma?

You or your child may experience one or more symptoms at a time and can mistaken asthma as allergies, a chest cold, or bronchitis. Some symptoms of asthma may include a nagging cough that lingers for more than two weeks, wheezing, shortness of breath, fatigue, chest congestion or tightness.

Any symptom of asthma must be taken seriously or it can worsen. Some children grow out of their asthma, though it can continue into adulthood. This can eventually lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), meaning the airways become permanently narrowed. With the right treatment, these symptoms can be kept under control.