Childhood asthma and breathing problems in Alor Setar
Does your child wheeze, cough at night, or get out of breath more easily than other children?
Breathing problems can be worrying to watch, especially at night. Dr Jason Wong, consultant paediatrician, can assess your child’s breathing, explain what may be causing their symptoms and guide you on how to manage them.
Dr Jason Wong Guo WaiConsultant Paediatrician, Hospital Aurelius, Alor Setar
Signs and concerns parents often notice
- A whistling or wheezing sound when breathing, often called semput
- A cough that keeps coming back, or is worse at night or early in the morning
- Coughing or breathlessness during play, exercise or crying
- A tight chest, or breathing that looks faster or harder than usual
- Symptoms that flare up with colds, dust, smoke or changes in weather
- A cough with phlegm (kahak) that is slow to clear
How Dr Jason can help
Depending on your child’s needs, Dr Jason can help with:
- Listening to your child’s chest and taking a careful history of their symptoms and triggers
- Explaining whether the symptoms look like asthma or another cause of wheezing or cough
- Nebuliser treatment at the clinic for wheezing, asthma, cough with phlegm and other breathing problems, when appropriate
- A plan for everyday management, and for what to do when symptoms flare up
- Explaining how to use any medicines that are prescribed
- Follow-up to see how your child is doing
When to arrange a consultation
- Your child wheezes, even if it settles on its own
- A cough lasts for weeks or keeps coming back
- Night-time coughing is disturbing your child’s sleep
- Breathing symptoms stop your child from playing or being active
- Your child has asthma and symptoms seem to be happening more often
If your child needs hospital care
If an asthma flare or breathing difficulty needs closer monitoring or treatment in hospital, Dr Jason can admit your child to Hospital Aurelius and continue managing their care himself. The paediatrician who knows your child’s breathing history stays in charge of their treatment on the ward.
Admission is only recommended when Dr Jason’s assessment shows it is medically necessary.
How hospital care with Dr Jason worksHave a question about your child?
Send the clinic a WhatsApp message to ask about an appointment. Walk-ins are also welcome during opening hours.
WhatsApp is for appointment enquiries. If your child is seriously unwell, go to the nearest emergency department or call 999.
Questions parents ask
Does wheezing always mean my child has asthma?
Not always. In young children, wheezing is often triggered by viral chest infections, and some children only wheeze when they have a cold. Dr Jason can assess your child and explain what their symptoms are likely to mean.
What is a nebuliser?
A nebuliser turns liquid medicine into a fine mist that your child breathes in through a mask or mouthpiece. It can be used for some children with wheezing or breathing difficulty. Dr Jason will advise whether it is suitable for your child.
If my child has a bad asthma attack, can Dr Jason look after them in hospital?
If an asthma flare needs treatment in hospital, Dr Jason can admit your child to Hospital Aurelius and manage their care himself as their attending paediatrician. Whether admission is needed depends on his assessment. In an emergency, go to the nearest emergency department or call 999 rather than waiting for a WhatsApp reply.
Why parents consult Dr Jason
“Children are often the most honest patients. They don’t hide their symptoms or pretend to be well when they are not.”
- Dr Jason Wong Guo Wai
- Consultant Paediatrician
- MBBS (IMU), MMed Paediatrics (UM)
- MMC No. 70723, NSR No. 143364
- Newborns to 18 years
- Bahasa Melayu, English and Mandarin
- Hospital Aurelius, Alor Setar
- Suite 228, Level 2
Professional registration and memberships
Registered with the Malaysian Medical Council
Member of the Malaysian Paediatric Association
Member of the Malaysian Medical Association
Visiting the clinic
Opening hours
| Sunday to Thursday | 8:30am to 4:30pm |
|---|---|
| Friday | 8:30am to 12:30pm |
| Saturday and public holidays | Closed |
