How to Control Asthma in Children
Asthma is a frightening disease for anyone, but particularly for children. It can leave them gasping for breath, and because there is no cure, it's something they must deal with on an ongoing basis. Fortunately, there are many ways to control it. If you have a child with asthma, you can put together a comprehensive control plan to minimize its effects.
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Instructions
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Have realistic expectations. Asthma is a chronic disease that cannot be cured. According to the American Lung Association, controlling children's asthma means reducing the frequency and severity of attacks rather than completely eliminating them. It also means keeping the asthma from interfering with the child's daily activities. Your child's asthma control plan should center around these factors.
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Identify the child's triggers. Although asthma attacks manifest themselves with similar symptoms in all children, the things that trigger them can be very different. Once you know your child's specific triggers, you can help her avoid them. According to the American Lung Association, common triggers include animals, cigarette smoke, dust and mold.
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Give your child medication as prescribed by his doctor. Some children will not need to take medication regularly, while others may require daily medication to keep their asthma under control. The doctor can evaluate your child's condition to see if he needs regular medication or if he can manage his asthma mainly through awareness and lifestyle modifications.
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Educate your child about her condition. Children can play an active role in controlling their asthma when they understand it. Depending on the child's age, you can work with the doctor or a nurse to explain the condition and how it can be controlled. This empowers the child to take charge of her condition. When she is old enough, she can learn to use tools like a peak flow meter to monitor her asthma.
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Tips & Warnings
Allergy shots may be helpful for some children with asthma. Although their effectiveness has not been definitely proven, they seem to offer relief in certain cases. If you believe they might help control your child's asthma, talk to your doctor or a pediatric allergist.
Asthma can be fatal to a child, and the American Lung Association says that many of these deaths are linked to undermedication. Monitor your child's compliance with his medication schedule to make sure he is not missing doses and putting himself at risk.
References
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