May is Asthma Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on one of the most common chronic conditions affecting both children and adults in the United States. In Sandy Springs and the greater North Atlanta area, asthma remains a significant health concern due to environmental triggers like pollen, mold, and urban air pollution. This article provides a comprehensive look at asthma, what causes it, who is at risk, and how our local community can be proactive about managing it.
What Is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic lung disease characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to difficulty breathing. When someone with asthma encounters a trigger, their airways become swollen, produce excess mucus, and tighten, resulting in symptoms such as:
- Coughing (especially at night or early morning)
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
These episodes, often called asthma attacks or flare-ups, can range from mild to life-threatening.
How Common Is Asthma?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- Over 25 million Americans have asthma, including 5.5 million children.
- In Georgia, approximately 9.2% of children and 8.1% of adults have been diagnosed with asthma.
- Asthma is a leading cause of emergency room visits, missed school days, and hospitalizations, especially in urban and suburban regions like North Atlanta.
What Causes Asthma?
Asthma doesn’t have one single cause. Instead, it’s influenced by genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors:
Common Triggers in North Atlanta & Sandy Springs:
- Pollen from Georgia’s rich tree and grass populations, particularly in spring and fall
- Dust mites, mold, and pet dander in humid homes or schools
- Air pollution from traffic congestion on I-285 and GA-400
- Respiratory infections, especially in children in daycare or school settings
- Exercise-induced asthma, particularly in children and teens
- Cold air in winter months
- Secondhand smoke or vape exposure
Asthma in Children: What Parents in Sandy Springs Should Know
Pediatric asthma is particularly common, and while it may improve or even disappear in adulthood for some, many children require consistent management and care throughout their school years.
Myths vs. Facts in Pediatric Asthma:
- Myth: “It’s just a cough.”
Fact: Chronic coughing, especially at night or with exercise, can be a primary sign of asthma – even in the absence of wheezing. - Myth: “My child will grow out of asthma.”
Fact: While some children do see symptoms lessen with age, asthma can persist into adulthood or return later in life. - Myth: “Inhalers are only needed during attacks.”
Fact: Many children need daily controller medications to reduce inflammation and prevent flare-ups – not just rescue inhalers. - Myth: “If my child is active in sports, they can’t have asthma.”
Fact: Many children with asthma, including Olympic athletes, perform well with proper medication and management.
Diagnosing Asthma: What to Expect
Diagnosing asthma involves a thorough clinical history, physical exam, and often spirometry (a simple breathing test) or peak flow measurements. For children under 5, diagnosis can be more nuanced, but pediatricians and internists look for patterns in symptoms and response to treatments.
If you or your child experience frequent coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath – especially in certain environments – it may be time to speak with a doctor.
Managing Asthma: A Collaborative Approach
Effective asthma management includes:
- Individualized Asthma Action Plans
– Tailored documents outlining daily medications, symptom tracking, and steps to take during a flare-up. - Trigger Identification and Avoidance
– Allergy testing and education to reduce environmental exposures at home and school. - Medication Management
– Includes quick-relief inhalers (e.g., albuterol) and long-term control medications like inhaled corticosteroids or leukotriene modifiers. - Routine Check-Ups
– To adjust medications, monitor growth in pediatric patients, and screen for complications like allergies or sinus infections. - Vaccination
– Annual flu shots, COVID-19, and pneumococcal vaccines are important for asthma patients.
Commonly Asked Questions About Asthma in North Atlanta
❓ Can asthma develop later in life?
Yes. Adult-onset asthma is common and can be triggered by respiratory infections, allergies, or occupational exposure. If you’re noticing symptoms, especially after age 30, schedule an evaluation with your primary care physician.
❓ Is asthma connected to allergies?
Yes. Allergic asthma is the most common form and is triggered by allergens like pollen, mold, and pet dander – especially relevant in pollen-heavy areas like Sandy Springs and surrounding areas.
❓ How do I know if my child’s asthma is under control?
Signs of good control include:
- Minimal symptoms during the day and night
- Few or no school absences
- Infrequent use of rescue inhalers
- No ER visits or hospitalizations
❓ Can asthma be cured?
No, but it can be controlled. With proper care, children and adults can lead active, healthy lives.
Asthma Awareness in the Time of Climate Change
Rising global temperatures and air pollution are worsening asthma rates, especially in urban and suburban environments. Longer pollen seasons and increased ground-level ozone are particularly concerning for Atlanta-area residents. This makes preventative asthma care even more critical today than in years past.
How Our North Atlanta Practice Can Help
At our Sandy Springs-based pediatric and internal medicine office, we offer:
- Comprehensive asthma evaluations.
- Inhaler technique education for families.
- Allergy testing and environmental trigger counseling.
- Emergency preparedness planning.
- Telemedicine follow-ups for asthma check-ins.
- Coordination with school nurses and pediatric specialists for care continuity.
We proudly serve patients across Sandy Springs, Roswell, Dunwoody, Brookhaven, Alpharetta, and the entire North Atlanta corridor.
Don’t Wait to Breathe Easier
If you or your child has symptoms of asthma – or if you’re looking to reassess your asthma management – Asthma Awareness Month is the perfect time to act.
If needing a consultation with one of our five Board-Certified Pediatricians, please contact our office at 404-252-4611 or submit an appointment request via our ‘Contact Us’ form on our homepage.