L.A. Parent: Asthma and Winter | A Q&A With Irina Dralyuk, MD, Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s
L.A. Parent recently interviewed Irina Dralyuk, MD, a pediatric pulmonologist with Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children's, about ways to manage childhood asthma.
While colder temperatures during winter can trigger asthma symptoms such as wheezing and tightness in the chest, Dralyuk told L.A. Parent it’s important to manage the condition year-round.
“Every asthmatic will have their own sets of triggers,” Dralyuk told L.A. Parent. “For some kids, it could be changes in the weather, allergies or dust, while others may be more sensitive to viral episodes like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) or influenza that can lead to an exacerbation of their asthma.”
Dralyuk told L.A. Parent that there are various treatment options for asthma and that a pediatrician or pulmonologist can help control symptoms. Children can use rescue medications to quickly open the airways during acute episodes. Controller medications, which are taken on a regular basis, can help children manage chronic asthma problems.
“First and foremost, ensure that your child is following the appropriate maintenance medication regimen,” Dralyuk said. “Even with meticulous efforts to manage environmental factors at home, it can be nearly impossible without the right medication.”
She added that parents should know what triggers their child’s asthma and keep a close eye on symptoms that get worse.
“If a child is breathing rapidly with deep, gasping breaths or exhibiting shallow breathing, and if they’re unable to speak in full sentences, these are all concerning signs that warrant immediate attention,” Dralyuk told L.A. Parent. “If you observe a combination of frequent wheezing, persistent coughing, and the child struggling to catch their breath, these signs can collectively signal a serious situation. Waiting until the child appears extremely fatigued is a risky delay; instead, it’s advisable to call 911.”
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