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Dr. Heidi Anne Skundberg Kram, MD is a pediatrician in Northfield, MN specializing in general pediatrics. She graduated from University of Minnesota Medical School. Dr. Heidi Anne Skundberg Kram, MD is affiliated with Allina Health.
1400 Jefferson Road
Northfield, MN 55057
Asthma
Asthma is a chronic lung disease where the tissue and airways of the lungs become extremely sensitive to certain substances. When these substances are breathed in, the lungs become inflamed. The muscles around the airways tighten and squeeze the lungs, and passages within the lungs swell and tighten. The airways themselves produce mucus, which further clogs the tightened, swollen airways. A person having an asthma attack finds it very difficult to breathe, and a severe attack can even be fatal.
Asthma affects people of all ages, but people with asthma are most often diagnosed as children. Symptoms can include wheezing, a tight feeling in the chest, shortness of breath, and coughing. Some people have mild symptoms all the time, and some people have no symptoms at all, but everyone with asthma is susceptible to occasional severe attacks or flare-ups of symptoms when they are exposed to triggers. Triggers vary widely but can include:
Treatment for most asthma patients involves three steps. Patients learn what their asthma triggers are and avoid them. They take a daily control medication, usually an inhaled corticosteroid, to reduce inflammation in the lungs. Also, they have rescue medication with them at all times to take in case of a severe attack. These quick-acting inhaled medications relax the muscles around the airways and allow the lungs to open up for air.
There is no cure for asthma, but with treatment it should not interfere with daily life and activities.
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD)
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is one of the most common disorders diagnosed in children. Nine percent of children in the USA have been diagnosed with ADHD. Symptoms, which include hyperactivity and difficulty maintaining focus or paying attention, can last into adulthood for some patients. Boys are four times as likely to be diagnosed as girls, although experts don't know why this is.
There are three main types of ADHD:
When diagnosing ADHD, it is important to rule out other issues that may be causing the symptoms. Seizure disorders, hearing loss, anxiety, and domestic problems are some examples of problems that can cause behaviors similar to those seen with ADHD.
Treatment can include stimulant medications, behavioral therapy to teach patients ways to navigate their world and control symptoms better, and accommodations at school or work. A structured environment (with lots of organization and well-defined rules) seems to help most kids with ADHD function at their best.
ADHD is mainly thought of as a disorder that affects children, but symptoms can last into adulthood for a third to half of those diagnosed. In adults, ADHD has similar symptoms as when it is seen in children: impulsive behavior, difficulty maintaining focus, being easily distracted, or a tendency to fidget. These symptoms can cause problems in a patient's careers and relationships. Additionally, adults with ADHD are at increased risk for substance abuse. Medications can be an important part of treatment for adults, as well as stress reduction techniques and organization skills training. Specialized ADHD coaches can help adults with ADHD manage their symptoms and succeed in all areas of their life.
Dr. Heidi Anne Skundberg Kram, MD graduated from University of Minnesota Medical School. She completed residency at University of Minnesota Affiliated Hospitals. She is certified by the Board Certification: Travel medicine and has a state license in Minnesota.
Medical School: University of Minnesota Medical School
Residency: University of Minnesota Affiliated Hospitals
Board Certification: Board Certification: Travel medicine
Licensed In: Minnesota
Dr. Heidi Anne Skundberg Kram, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
Dr. Heidi Anne Skundberg Kram, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars based on 39 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Heidi Anne Skundberg Kram, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Northfield, MN.
Dr. Heidi Kram sees patients in Northfield, MN. Her medical specialty is general pediatrics. Her areas of clinical interest consist of attention deficit disorder (ADD/ADHD), asthma, and travel medicine. Dr. Kram is professionally affiliated with Allina Health. Before performing her residency at a hospital affiliated with the University of Minnesota, Dr. Kram attended the University of Minnesota Medical School.
