Being prepared helps kids control it and stay active
Asthma is the most common chronic disease in children, and it can cause a lot of concern for parents. Ease your worries with preparation. First understand the basics, and then ask your child’s doctor questions, and make a plan to manage symptoms.
Asthma is inflammation of the lungs and airways triggered by allergens, viruses, smoke, or exercise. Narrowed airways can cause symptoms that include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. While people may develop asthma at any age, most children develop it by age 5. Asthma can be effectively treated with daily controller medications and rescue inhalers when symptoms flare up.
Make a plan for school
School is a big part of your child’s life, so work with his or her pediatrician to make an away-from-home plan. Before the school year begins, ask your child’s doctor for a note to the school about medications, allergies, contact information, and any other important information. Many children with asthma have allergic triggers. Tell the school and caregivers about things that might cause a reaction.
Ask your child’s doctor
Take this checklist of questions to your next appointment with your child’s pediatrician or allergist.
- Will my child outgrow his/her asthma?
- Is there a cure?
- Should my child be tested for allergies?
- Will my child have to take drugs? Which ones? And what do they do?
- Can we practice using the inhaler/medication?
- What are the signs of an asthma emergency?
- What changes should I make at home to help control my child’s asthma symptoms?
- How can my child control symptoms at school?
- Can my child play sports or exercise?
- Would it help my child to lose weight?
