From Winter Colds to Spring Pollen: What Pediatricians Need to Know About Asthma | |
Winter brings viral infections, indoor allergen exposure, and cold air triggers, while spring brings sunshine, outdoor play, and blooming flowers. Unfortunately, both seasons carry risks-winter colds, and indoor irritants give way to pollen, lingering viruses, and a predictable spike in pediatric asthma exacerbations. Updated guidelines remind us that this seasonal transition is the ideal time to tighten control, review asthma action plans, and stop relying on albuterol alone.
Asthma: Chronic, Inflammatory, and Still Not “Just a Bad Cold”
Asthma remains a chronic inflammatory airway disease, even when symptoms are intermittent (NAEPP 2020; GINA 2025). Key points for primary care include the following: SABA-only therapy is no longer recommended, as over-reliance increases exacerbation risk. Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) remain first-line therapy for asthma control. Red flags include albuterol use more than twice per week (excluding pre-exercise dosing), which signals inadequate control. Strong evidence shows that regular ICS use reduces exacerbations, emergency department visits, and systemic corticosteroid bursts (NAEPP 2020). In children ≥5 years, spirometry is recommended to confirm the diagnosis and assess severity. In children <5 years, asthma remains a clinical diagnosis based on symptom patterns, trigger exposure, and response to bronchodilator therapy.
Stepwise, Guideline-Directed Therapy
Asthma treatment should follow a stepwise approach based on symptom control and exacerbation risk (NAEPP 2020; GINA 2025). Therapy should be stepped up for uncontrolled symptoms or frequent exacerbations and stepped down only after at least 3 months of sustained control. Before any change in therapy, clinicians should always reassess medication adherence, inhaler technique, and trigger exposure. Preferred pediatric asthma therapies emphasize anti-inflammatory control rather than rescue-only treatment....continue reading...
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Vaishali Benaka Hebbar, MD, FAAP
Chair, Childhood Nutrition & Obesity Prevention, AAP-CA1
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AAP-CA1 Annual Membership Meeting
Tuesday, March 10 | 6:00 - 7:00 pm | via Zoom
Join us for our annual AAPCA1 Annual Membership Meeting on Tuesday, March 10 from @6:00 to 7:00PM! This meeting will highlight key updates from the Chapter, reflect on accomplishments from the past year, and outline priorities for the year ahead. Members will have the opportunity to connect with Chapter leadership, stay informed on advocacy efforts, and learn how to remain engaged in advancing the health and well-being of children across California.
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Drug Education, Prevention & Intervention Chapter Chat
Monday, March 16 | 6:00 - 7:00 pm | via Zoom
AAPCA1 invites you to join the Drug Education, Prevention and Intervention Chapter Chat held virtually on Monday, March 16 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Pediatricians play a vital role in helping prevent youth substance use. Don’t miss this important discussion on supporting families through early education and intervention!
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Childhood Nutrition & Obesity Prevention Committee Meeting
Wednesday, March 25 | 6:00 - 7:00 pm | via Zoom
AAPCA1 invites you to join the Childhood Nutrition & Obesity Committee meeting held virtually on Wednesday, March 25 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Don’t miss this important discussion on nutrition counseling in pediatric primary care!
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A10th Annual Pediatrics Puzzles Conference
Saturday, May. 2 | San Francisco Zoo
Join us on May 2 at the San Francisco Zoo for the 10th Annual Pediatric Puzzles Conference. Pediatricians, primary care providers, nurses, family medicine practitioners, residents and all AAP members are invited to attend!
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Chapter Leadership Positions | |
Apply for Area Director Positions!
As an Area Director, you'll be part of a dynamic team representing one of our 11 diverse geographic areas. You will become a voting member of our chapter board and engage with local pediatric providers to advocate for children's health through the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Volunteer alongside a supportive leadership team dedicated to shaping the future of pediatric care.
Time commitment: 2-4 hours per month
Volunteer Area Director Positions:
- Monterey Area Director
- North Coastal Area Director
Perks and Benefits:
- Membership on AAP Board: Gain valuable experiences and networking opportunities
- Discounted CME Events: Access quality education at reduced rates.
- Advocacy Day in Sacramento: Participate in impactful advocacy efforts.
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ACES Health Champions Gathering Webinar
Friday, Feb. 13 | 12:00-1:00pm | Virtual
The presentation briefly reviews the origin, hypotheses, and methodological design of the Female Growth and Development Study (FGDS) followed by a summary of major research themes. The overall impact of childhood sexual abuse across multiple negative adult outcomes is the epigenetic acceleration of biological aging.
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Pediatricians Invited to Participate in NYU Research Study
AAP-CA1 is pleased to share a brief research opportunity from the NYU Department of Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Neha Jivan, pediatric dental resident at New York University, is conducting a short study exploring the nutrition and oral health education pediatricians receive during residency and beyond, as well as pediatricians’ confidence in providing nutrition and oral-health counseling to families. The anonymous online survey takes approximately 5–7 minutes to complete. Your participation will help support cross-collaboration between pediatrics and pediatric dentistry and inform future education efforts.
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Mother's Milk Bank California: Best Place to Pump Nominations
We’re proud to announce the launch of the Best Place to Pump Award at Mothers’ Milk Bank California.
As more women with children enter and lead in today’s workforce, employers have a powerful opportunity to create environments that meaningfully support breastfeeding and pumping at work. The Best Place to Pump Award recognizes organizations that go beyond basic compliance and actively foster inclusive, supportive workplaces where lactating parents can thrive.
About the Award
- This recognition celebrates organizations that:
- Provide clean, safe, and private lactation spaces
- Offer flexible schedules to support milk expression
- Cultivate a workplace culture that supports nursing and donor parents
- Promote parental wellness and work–life integration
From hospitals and universities to corporate offices and public agencies, honorees reflect what it truly means to support working families.
Nominations & Key Dates
- Nominations open: January 26, 2026
- Submission deadline: March 16, 2026
- Honorees announced: March 26, 2026
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AAP-California Pediatrics Podcast: Dr. Jeffrey Birnbaum, Firearm Injury Prevention
In Episode 8 of California Pediatrics, hosts Grant Christman, MD, MACM, FAAP and Ilan Shapiro, MD, MBA, FACHE, FAAP have a conversation with Jeffrey Birnbaum, MD, FAAP, a pediatric emergency medicine physician who became a passionate firearm injury prevention advocate after the 2018 school shooting of his alma mater, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.
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Pediatric Careers in California!
Explore our job board for exciting career opportunities or share one of your own. Visit aapca1.org/jobs/.
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Chapter Members: Enjoy a discounted rate of $50 for a 90-day job posting and promotion.
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Non-Members/Corporate Entities: Post for 30 days at $100.
Take the next step in your pediatric career today!
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Pediatric Jobs Available!
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Whooping Cough (Pertussis) Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention
Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory infection. It is caused by bacteria called Bordotella pertussis. People can get whooping cough any time of the year, but generally infections are seen in late summer and fall.
2 minute video -Whooping Cough Cases Rising
2 minute video -Child’s Cough: Pediatrician’s Tips for Parents
Recommended by Healthy Children
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Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month
Teen dating violence includes physical, psychological or sexual abuse; harassment; or stalking of any person ages 12 to 18 in the context of a past or present romantic or consensual relationship.
Parental Involvement In Preventing Teen Dating Violence
Recommended by Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month
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Your membership makes a difference for children in California, thank you!
The AAPCA1's ability to advocate on behalf of children is only as strong as the support we receive from our members. Encourage your colleagues to join today by visiting the AAPCA1 website.
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Our mission is to promote the optimal health and development of children and
adolescents of Northern California in partnership with their families and communities, and to support the pediatricians who care for them.
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Executive Committee:
President: Neel Patel • Vice President: Saul Diaz Martinez
• Secretary: Kerrilyn Rice • Treasurer: Amita Saxena • Past President: Nicole Webb
Area Directors:
North Valley: Aishwarya Taneja • Sacramento Valley: Lena van der List • Central Valley: Deborah Shassetz • South Valley: Sireesha Palkamsetti • San Francisco: Ryan Alanzalon • Santa Clara: Swetang Shahm • San Mateo: Jonathon Everett • North Coastal: VACANT • Monterey Bay: VACANT • Alameda County: Renee Wachtel • Contra Costa/Solano: Jennifer Anne Miller
Pediatric Insider News Editors:
Christy Capestany • Nicole Anderson
Staff:
Executive Director: Yolanda Ruiz • Project Coordinator: Sana Sayyid •
Marketing Assistant: Arathzy Portillo
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