How to Recognize and Treat a Child's Asthma Attack
Asthma is a common ailment amongst children. Many things can trigger an asthma attack, such as pet dander, dust mites, cockroaches, trees, pollen and bees. Recognizing an asthma attack in its earliest stage is imperative to effective treatment. The following steps will help you recognize and treat an asthma attack.
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Instructions
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How to Recognize an Asthma Attack
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Look to see if your child is struggling to breathe. This often appears when breathing is distressed and irregular. The child may look like he is trying to take unusually deep or shallow breaths. He may also signal his trouble by clutching or placing his hand over his chest or throat.
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Listen for any apparent wheezing sounds. Wheezing sounds are caused when airway inflammation won't allow enough air to pass through freely. Wheezing doesn't always mean that your child is having an asthma attack. Her airway could just be irritated, but if she has been diagnosed with asthma, it is quite likely. If you cannot hear any wheezing by just listening to her breathe, put your ear against her back. Sometimes this is the best way to hear it.
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Observe your child's coughs. If your child is having an asthma attack, he may cough frequently with each breath he takes or with every other breath. Coughing is usually due to spasms in the lungs and signals that your child may not be getting enough oxygen.
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Look at your child's eyes. If your child is not getting enough oxygen through her lungs, she may develop dark circles or bags underneath her eyes. She may also exhibit extreme signs of exhaustion. If she isn't getting the right amount of oxygen, she won't be able to use much energy.
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Check your child for grunting noises or retraction. Retraction is when the chest caves in during a breath. Retraction is usually a sign that your child is having severe difficulty taking breaths.
How to Treat an Asthma Attack
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If your child displays any of the above symptoms, you need to administer prescribed medication immediately. If your child has been medically diagnosed with asthma, your doctor has likely given you an asthma care plan to follow which will include medications.
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After administering the prescribed medications, watch your child closely. If she isn't getting better, give your pediatrician a call. Most pediatricians' offices have after hours call lines and will be able to notify your pediatrician of the situation. If you cannot reach your pediatrician and the child is still having trouble, bring her to the nearest hospital if it is close and the child's symptoms are not severe.
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If your child is exhibiting any of these symptoms and you don't have medication, call 911 immediately. If your child is having a severe attack, do not try to drive the child to the hospital. Ambulances have advanced breathing equipment and will be able to sustain your child if he stops breathing.
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Follow up with your pediatrician after the emergency room visit. Asthma is not always diagnosed before a severe attack happens. Your doctor may need to evaluate your child and prescribe a daily regulator.
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Tips & Warnings
If your child is having asthma symptoms, keep a close watch on him. Symptoms can quickly worsen, and if you aren't paying attention, you may not be able to treat him effectively.
Always pay attention to your child's asthma triggers. For instance, if she is allergic to pet dander, don't take her into someone's home with dogs, unless she has taken medicine ahead of time.
Always keep the medication prescribed by your doctor available. If your child is prone to attacks, carry it with you when you leave the house, especially on family vacations.
Always make sure that the prescription is filled, especially before holidays and other times of the year when it may be hard to get prescriptions filled quickly.
Read books on homeopathy and herbs. They may offer alternative ways to treat asthma, besides medication.
Do not let your child run around if he is coughing or wheezing. This activity can make it worse.
Never assume that your child just has a simple cold if she is demonstrating these symptoms.
If you choose to treat asthma with homeopathy or herbs, always check with an herbalist or naturopathic doctor. Herbs and homeopathy can be dangerous if you use them incorrectly or combine them with certain medications.
