5 Tips to Help You Manage Your Child's Asthma

Learn how to control symptoms

Your child is ready for soccer practice when an asthma attack strikes. Or perhaps they are cozily tucked in bed and suddenly wake up due to an abrupt flare-up, reaching for emergency medication. Whether this happens during playtime or rest, watching your child cough and struggle to breathe or speak is tough.

The frightening symptoms of childhood asthma can be well-managed, but learning to effectively coordinate with your child’s pediatrician requires time, patience, and close communication. Pulmonologist John Carl offers the following advice to help your child’s doctor develop an effective asthma action plan.

1. Keep Detailed Records

The best way to create an effective treatment plan for your child is to arrive at appointments prepared to discuss your child’s progress, says Dr. Carl. The best way to do this is to keep detailed records of what’s happening with your child’s asthma.

Things to note:

– How many times your child has experienced wheezing episodes.
– What triggers their asthma symptoms.
– The number of clinic visits, urgent care visits, or ER visits, and any hospitalizations.
– The preventive medications your child is taking and whether there are any issues with consistent dosing—whether due to forgetfulness or doctor’s orders.
– How often emergency medications are needed to treat acute symptoms.

2. Check for Asthma Triggers at Home

– Dr. Carl notes, “Exposure to tobacco smoke before and after birth is a risk factor for childhood asthma.” In addition to secondhand smoke, he advises carefully examining your home for anything that could trigger asthma symptoms, including:
– Pets with a lot of fur, such as dogs and cats, might be the first things that come to mind. But even smaller pets, like guinea pigs and hamsters, can make asthma management more difficult because their bedding can create small particles that become airborne.
– Outdoor allergens, including trees and grass in the spring, weeds and mold in late summer and fall, can cause seasonal asthma. Your child’s doctor might suggest allergy testing to pinpoint exactly what your child is allergic to.

3. Know What Tests Your Child Needs

Lung function tests: If you suspect your child has asthma or if symptoms worsen, the pediatrician will likely perform lung function tests. These tests require your child to breathe into a small device called a spirometer. “These tests measure how much air your child’s lungs can hold and the speed at which air moves in and out,” says Dr. Carl.

Asthma control tests: These online tests allow children and parents to rate their symptoms without the pressure of discussing them in a doctor’s office. Dr. Carl says this asthma scorecard is really useful. Fill out this test before your visit.

4. Be Ready to Ask: Why Aren't My Child’s Symptoms Responding to Medication?

– Having emergency medication on hand is crucial. But if you’re giving your child prescribed medication and it’s not effective, you need to be prepared. Take notes if your child experiences any of the following:
– Recurring symptoms.
– Frequent courses of oral steroid medications (prescribed by the doctor or ER).
– Emergency room visits or hospitalizations.
– If your child requires multiple courses of steroids, it’s time to discuss a new preventive treatment plan with the doctor. Dr. Carl says a new plan is needed if:
– Your child’s asthma disrupts playtime more than twice a week or wakes them up more than twice a month.
– Your child needs a lot of albuterol or other asthma inhalers.

5. Be Patient with Long-Term Treatments

Preventive—or “controller”—medications don’t alleviate symptoms immediately like rescue inhalers, but they work if used regularly over time.

Dr. Carl advises parents to ensure their pediatrician fully explains the expected effects of each medication so they don’t become impatient or frustrated if they don’t see immediate results. “Maintaining good communication with your pediatrician is essential for optimal asthma care for your child,” he says.

You might be interested in: Dos and Don’ts for Treating Fever in Children.

Calibee

LET CALIBEE TAKE CARE OF YOUR HOME

Download, sign up and experience exclusive services only available on the Calibee app.