How to Prevent Asthma Attacks in a Child
Asthma affects nearly 9 million children in the United States alone--nearing the epidemic level--and does not appear to be subsiding. In fact, many parts of the country, and indeed the world, are seeing rapidly rising rates of asthma in children for many reason including environmental, social and physiological. In this article I will outline how to recognize potential triggers for asthma attacks in children--and how to prevent them.
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Things You'll Need
- An understanding of how asthma can affect breathing
- A set of detailed instruction for emergency first aide to be done at home
- A rule of understanding developed by you, your child, and the health care provider as to when to seek emergent (ER) medical help
Instructions
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Be aware of environmental triggers, which can range from the obvious to the subtle. Intense levels of pollen and dander are the most widely known triggers; however, sometimes the environmental trigger can be as ordinary as laundry detergent with a fragrance, perfume/cologne, air fresheners and hand sanitizers. During times of obvious increased pollen and/or dander levels attempt to limit your child's exposure to the toxins via checking your housing for any unexpected portals of entry such as broken window screens, wall cracks and other structural damage. Filtering air conditioning with or without humidification can be of great benefit. Also, note if your child seems sensitive to dyes and perfumes and elect to go to fragrance and dye-free products.
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Help your child to recognize social triggers and how to redirect anxiety through meditation, distraction or other calming interventions. Slow, deep breathing with counting of breaths has been shown to be a very effective relaxation technique. Although social triggers can be very hard to identify, they are real. Stress, fear, night terrors and new social situations can lead to anxiety and hyperventilation and trigger an asthma attack. Calmly explain to your child that everyone becomes anxious at times and it is normal.
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Be able to identify physical and physiological triggers that can range from sudden increased play to exercise-induced bronchospasm, then develop a plan with your child and your healthcare provider regarding preventative interventions to stop the attacks from happening. One of the most common interventions is the use of a fast-acting bronchodilator, such as Albuterol, a few minutes before sporting or play.
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Schedule regular checkups with your healthcare provider to monitor your child's asthma status. As new medications come out on the market and your child develops physically, periodic adjustments in treatment are often necessary. Periodic testing and resting of environmental allergens may be suggested, especially if you move from one area of the country (or world) to another where specific allergens may be more problematic.
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Tips & Warnings
Asthma can be triggered by virtually anything; always be prepared.
Never assume that the attack will simply "go away on its own." Be on the lookout for advancing signs of respiratory illness such as bluish or dusky skin color, inability to speak and retractions of the muscles and spaces between the ribs.
Most importantly, LISTEN to your child. If they say they are having a hard time, do not hesitate to contact their medical provider or seek emergency help at your local ER.
All medical diagnoses, interventions and treatments can only be done by skilled licensed medical providers.
