Asthma is a common chronic respiratory disease that affects millions of people, including many children. Proper management of asthma is essential for ensuring that children with asthma can lead full and active lives, especially during the summer months when triggers such as pollen can be prevalent.
To help manage asthma in kids, it is essential to understand the severity of your child's asthma. Your child's healthcare provider can help with determining the severity of their asthma and recommend appropriate treatment options.
1. Preventive Medications
Preventative medications, such as inhaled corticosteroids, are used to reduce inflammation in the airways and prevent asthma symptoms. Using these medications regularly as prescribed by your child's healthcare provider, even if your child is not currently experiencing symptoms, can help prevent asthma attacks.
All 3 of my kids, even my husband, have asthma. So while they were growing up we also always had nebulizers, oxygen tanks, montelukast, and other anti-allergy meds around the house. - Mama Charito, edamama user
2. Rescue Medications
Rescue medications, such as bronchodilators, are used to quickly relieve asthma symptoms during an asthma attack. Make sure your child knows how to use their inhaler and when to use it. It's also important to have an asthma emergency plan in place for what to do if your child's symptoms do not improve or if they experience a severe asthma attack.
We play with her but the time we feel like it's too much and she's kind of panting, we stop. But for her asthma attacks, our nebulizer is on standby and we have the nebules ready. My mom (a nurse) also taught me that bronchial tapping helps so I do that too! :) - Mama Ayee of edamama
3. Triggers
Identifying and avoiding asthma triggers is an essential part of managing asthma in kids. Some common triggers include pollen, dust mites, pet dander, smoke, and air pollution. Work with your child's healthcare provider to identify their triggers and develop strategies for avoiding or minimizing exposure.
4. Managing Symptoms
Monitoring your child's asthma symptoms is crucial for managing their asthma. Keep a record of your child's symptoms, including the frequency and severity of their attacks as this information can help your child's healthcare provider adjust their treatment plan as needed.
A peak flow meter is a device that measures how fast air can be blown out of the lungs. It can be used to monitor asthma symptoms and track changes in lung function. Your child's healthcare provider can recommend a peak flow meter and provide instructions on how to use it.
Keeping a clean environment is important for reducing exposure to allergens and irritants that can trigger asthma symptoms. Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture regularly, use allergen-proof covers on mattresses and pillows, and avoid using harsh cleaning products. Additionally, avoid exposing your child to tobacco smoke, which is a powerful trigger for asthma symptoms.
My nephew has asthma so they do deep cleaning regularly of sofas, curtains, beds, pillows to remove dust at home as it triggers his asthma. - Tita Anna of edamama
5. Asthma for Kid Athletes
For children with asthma who want to participate in sports, it is important to communicate with their coaches or instructors to make sure they are aware of your child's asthma and any triggers they may have. Provide them with a copy of your child's asthma action plan and discuss any necessary precautions or modifications to their treatment plan.
My whole family is asthmatic but we were also all athletes, specifically we were all swimmers. Swimming in itself was helpful with our asthma as it regulates breathing plus it was a way to keep us active. Compared to other workouts, (like whenever we ran) it was easier for us in general. - Tita Dara of edamama, UAAP Champion Swimmer
Encourage your child to warm up before starting any physical activity and to cool down afterward. This can help reduce the risk of an asthma attack during exercise. Also, encourage your child to pay attention to their symptoms during exercise and to take breathing techniques for kids as needed. If they experience any difficulty breathing or chest tightness, they should stop the activity and use their inhaler as directed.
Conclusion
Finally, effective communication with your child's healthcare provider is essential for managing their asthma. Make sure you understand their treatment plan and ask questions if anything is unclear. Keep your healthcare provider informed of any changes in your child's symptoms or triggers. With proper asthma management and support, children with asthma can lead full and active lives.
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