5 Things Parents Can Do to Keep a Child's Asthma Under Control
Childhood asthma can be well controlled when parents work closely with the doctor, use medicines correctly and reduce triggers at home. This article sums up the five most important steps, and the signs that mean your child needs emergency care right away.
1. Get a written asthma action plan
Ask your child’s doctor for an asthma action plan that clearly lists the daily preventer medicine, the reliever medicine, how to tell when asthma is getting worse, and when to go to the emergency room. Give a copy to carers, nannies and the school so everyone knows what to do if your child has an attack.
2. Keep a record of your child's symptoms
Before each check-up, write down how often your child coughs, wheezes or is short of breath; when it tends to happen (at night, during play, in cold weather, with a cold); how often the reliever is needed; any emergency visits or hospital stays; and whether the preventer is taken every day. These notes help the doctor adjust the treatment more precisely.
3. Reduce asthma triggers at home
- Tobacco smoke is the biggest trigger: no one should smoke in the home or in a car with the child.
- Dust mites: wash bedding in hot water every week, keep soft toys off the bed and vacuum with a filtered vacuum cleaner.
- Mould: keep the home dry and well ventilated, especially in humid weather, and have air conditioners cleaned regularly.
- Pet dander (dogs, cats, even hamsters and their bedding): if your child is allergic, keep pets out of the bedroom.
- Cooking smoke, incense, insect sprays and strong cleaning chemicals can also trigger attacks.
If you’re not sure what sets off your child’s asthma, the doctor can arrange allergy tests.
4. Use medicines correctly and for long enough
Preventer medicines (such as inhaled corticosteroids) don’t work instantly like relievers, but they reduce attacks when used every day. Don’t stop the preventer just because your child seems better; reducing or stopping it should follow the doctor’s advice. Inhalers only work with the right technique: young children usually need a spacer, sometimes with a mask; ask the doctor or nurse to show you and to check your child’s technique at every visit. Always carry the reliever (such as salbutamol) when your child goes to school or out.
5. Go back to the doctor if asthma isn't controlled
Book a review soon if your child has symptoms during the day more than twice a week or wakes at night because of asthma more than twice a month; needs the reliever often; has needed several courses of oral steroids; or has been to the emergency room or hospital. The doctor may do breathing tests and use an asthma control questionnaire to assess it.
When to get emergency help
Call 115 or take your child to hospital right away if the reliever used as prescribed doesn’t help, or if your child: is breathing very hard or very fast; can’t speak in full sentences or can’t eat or drink; has the chest or neck sucking in with each breath; has blue lips or fingertips; or is drowsy or confused.
If you need a babysitter who knows how to care for a child with asthma, share your child's asthma action plan with your Calibee nanny when you book. Book in the Calibee app.
LET CALIBEE TAKE CARE OF YOUR HOME
References
- Living with Asthma (Asthma Action Plans) – CDC (USA)
- Controlling Asthma – CDC (USA)
This article is for general information only and does not replace a doctor's diagnosis or advice; ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine, and call 115 in an emergency.
