Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition in which the lungs spasm and become inflamed, making it difficult to breathe. Doctors believe that asthma is caused by allergies or hypersensitivity to environmental conditions that make the lungs swell and tighten. An attack may be brought on by factors like stress or fear.

Asthma is one of the most common chronic conditions in the US, and the most common condition in children. While asthma symptoms should seem rather easy to diagnose you’d be surprised how many people don’t even realize that they are dealing with asthma until they turn to a doctor for their symptoms. Everything from genetic to environmental elements may be to blame for asthma, but it’s important that you recognize the warning signs so that you can seek immediate treatment.

Asthma Symptoms

Inflammation of the airways can lead to a flare-up of asthma symptoms that can last anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours or even days, in more severe cases. Some of the classic asthma symptoms include:

Wheezing/whistling when breathing
A persistent cough (that often gets worse at night)
Shortness of breath
Shallow breathing
Chest tightness

Treating Asthma

Asthma must be properly managed with medication, even if you’re only experiencing mild asthma symptoms. Our allergist and asthma specialist team will work with you to find the proper dose of medication to reduce inflammation and prevent asthma attacks. While lifestyle changes can certainly improve your symptoms, our team will provide you with an everyday controlled medication to target inflammation while also providing you with a rescue inhaler that is used when you first feel an asthma attack coming on.

Where Parents and Pediatricians are Partners

We are committed to helping children reach their highest potential. We work with the parents to promote and maintain their child's physical and emotional well-being, from birth to college years.

We offer convenient office hours, helpful patient resources and an outstanding level of support and expertise. Whether you're visiting for the first time or the hundredth time, you'll receive the same quality and compassion with every appointment.

Dr. Kostur is a board-certified pediatrician with over a decade of pediatric experience in general office pediatrics and emergency pediatrics. Dr. Kostur is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and completed her pediatric residency in 2003 at one of the nation's top-ranked children's hospitals, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.

Dr. Kostur earned her M.D. from Loyola University of Chicago in 2000 and completed undergraduate studies at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. She is affiliated with and an active member at Baptist Hospital, Wolfson's Children's Hospital, and Baptist South Medical Center.

In 2008, after relocating from Cincinnati, Dr. Kostur started her own practice - Jacksonville Kids Pediatrics. Dr. Kostur resides in Jacksonville with her husband, Dr. Michael Petr, and their two children, Michael, age 11, and Eva, age 8.

We’ve only been coming to this office for a short while after the birth of our son a few months ago, however I can say that we will be lifelong patients here. Dr. Kostur and the staff are all exceptional, extremely knowledgable, and clearly love what they do. We never feel rushed during our appointments and they take the time to address all of our questions/concerns. Getting in as a new patient was a breeze and we never have to worry about a long wait time whenever we have appointments. I highly recommend this office!

Health Starts Early atJacksonville Kids Pediatrics

Help Control & Manage Your Child's Asthma

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Welcome to Jacksonville Kids Pediatrics

Jacksonville Kids Pediatrics

Meet Your Pediatrician

Dr. Alexandra Kostur

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