When a child is diagnosed with asthma, parents quickly realize how much there is to learn about managing the condition. Professional asthma care can make a difference during this time, helping families control symptoms and prevent asthma attacks. Even with a treatment plan in place, it’s important to continue learning ways to help your child enjoy a safer, more active lifestyle. Here are some tips for Atlanta parents of children with asthma.
Simple Ways to Help Your Child Manage Asthma
Small changes and the right habits can help your child manage their asthma symptoms. Whether they were recently diagnosed or have been living with asthma for some time, the following tips can help your family feel more prepared.
Learn Your Child’s Asthma Triggers
Keep a diary of potential asthma triggers, such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, smoke or cold air. In some cases, allergy testing may be the best option to identify exactly what is triggering your child’s symptoms. With this information you can avoid unnecessary exposure to these substances.
Create and Follow an Asthma Action Plan
An asthma action plan can help parents, relatives and teachers if a child has an asthma attack. An asthma specialist will advise on the appropriate steps based on their condition, including daily and rescue medications, known triggers, and what to do if symptoms become worse.
Know How to Respond to Asthma Attacks
Remember the early warning signs your child has asthma, such as coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath, and take action if these symptoms become more severe. A rescue inhaler is important at this time, but seek emergency care if a child has blue lips, difficulty speaking, and severe breathing problems.
Teach Your Child to Use Their Inhaler Correctly
Helping your child practice the right inhaler technique regularly will make it second nature when they need it most. When a step-by-step approach is used, proper inhaler technique becomes a routine they can rely on with both their daily controller inhaler, and their rescue inhaler in case of emergency.
Create an Asthma-Friendly Home Environment
A typical home will have many potential triggers for a child’s asthma. Allergens, such as pollen or pet dander, are often found in bedding, blankets and sofas, while humidity can lead to mold growth. Washing bedding regularly, vacuuming, keeping pets out of your child’s bedroom, and using air filters can reduce exposure to allergy triggers.
Attend Regular Visits With an Allergist
Allergic asthma is the most common form of asthma in children, with exposure to allergens triggering symptoms. By visiting your allergy and asthma specialist, you can ensure your child is receiving the right medication. And as your child grows, an allergist can monitor changes in common asthma symptoms and refine their treatment plan accordingly.
Asthma Care for Children and Families in Atlanta
Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center supports children facing shortness of breath, chest tightness and other asthma symptoms. Visit one of our Atlanta-area centers for pediatric asthma testing and treatment. Contact us at (678) 668-4688 or request an appointment.
