As a parent, it is essential to help your child manage their asthma. Being diagnosed with asthma can be a confusing event for kids, especially when experiencing a flair-up. Develop an asthma action plan with your child and help them keep their asthma under control.
The following are three simple components that act as an excellent starting point for any child’s asthma action plan!
Daily Asthma Management Habits
Teaching your child daily asthma management techniques helps to avoid asthma attacks and other asthma symptoms. It is vital to their health and well-being that they understand which medications to use and how to dose them in situations where you as a parent may be unavailable. Children should learn about their unique asthma triggers that can spark asthma attacks. Exposure to the following triggers can be avoided with proper planning and preparation:
- Furry animals
- Air pollution
- Physical exercise
- Dust
- Bad weather
- Environmental triggers such as freshly cut grass, moss, or pollen
Recognize Worsening Asthma Symptoms
Recognizing and treating asthma symptoms in kids early on is the easiest way to avoid serious effects. If your child uses peak flow monitoring, you can start by teaching him or her how readings correlate with symptoms and when to get help immediately. Coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath typically occur before an asthma attack. Knowing how to respond to asthma triggers will give your child time to get away from them and administer medication or ask for help from an adult.
How To Handle Administrative Complications
Children should carry a list of essential contacts such as phone numbers, medical information, and their medicine’s dosage schedule with them at all times. Parents can take proactive measures by getting written permission from their child’s doctor and a school official to keep asthma medicine in their personal belongings during school hours.
Need A Hand? We’re Here To Help
Asthma is a common condition that can be managed effectively with the right plan in place. Our specialists are available to help you create a plan that is individualized for your child. To get started, contact us today!