7 Ways to Manage Your Child’s Asthma
Coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath—asthma is no fun, especially if you’re a kid. But asthma is easy to manage if you know what to do. Kids with asthma go on to live full and active lives. There are even Olympic athletes with asthma! Here are some helpful tips on how to manage your child’s asthma.
1. See Your Doctor
The first, most important step to take in managing your child’s asthma is to talk to a doctor. Your doctor will work with you to determine what triggers your child’s asthma and which medications should be taken to treat it. To make an appointment with an asthma board certified pediatrician at VCC, call us today at (844) 308-5003!
2. Make a Plan
Your doctor will help you make a written asthma action plan. This plan tells you which medicines to take and when. Give a copy of your plan to your child’s teachers, coaches, babysitters, and caregivers, including the parents of your child’s friends.
3. Keep Your Home Clean
One of the easiest ways to manage asthma is to make sure that the air in your home is clean and dry. Dust mites are a common cause of asthma. Use dust-proof covers for pillows, mattresses, and box springs. Replacing carpeting with hard flooring is another way to cut down on dust. Clean your home at least once a week. Use a HEPA filter vacuum at least twice a week. Other common causes of asthma include mold or dampness, cockroaches, and mice and rats.
4. Use Your Air Conditioner
If you have it, air conditioning is a good way to reduce the amount of pollen, dust, and other allergens that get in your house from outdoors. Air conditioning also lowers humidity in your home, which helps to prevent mold from growing. Just be sure to replace the filters in your air conditioning and any other air circulation appliances regularly.
5. Avoid Pet Dander
Pet dander is another common cause of asthma. If your child’s asthma is made worse by pets, it’s best to avoid them when possible. If you have pets, bathing and grooming them regularly can help reduce dander. It is best to keep the pet out of the child’s room and especially off the child’s bed.
6. Avoid Cigarette Smoke
Cigarette smoke is another common trigger for asthma attacks. Infants exposed to tobacco smoke are also more likely to develop asthma. Don’t allow guests to smoke in or near your home. If you do smoke, smoke outside and at a distance from the house. Then, change your clothes before entering to reduce bringing harmful toxins back into the house. The smoke from wood fires can also cause asthma. If possible, do not use wood fires for heating at home.
7. Eat Healthy & Stay Active
A healthy, active lifestyle is one of the best ways to keep asthma under control. As long as your child’s asthma is well-managed, regular play and exercise is a good thing for the lungs. Eating healthily is also important. Being overweight can make asthma worse.
If your child has asthma there are many things you can do to make his or her life easier. Once it’s under control, most kids with asthma can enjoy the same activities as their friends. The most important part of managing asthma is for you and your child to know what triggers it and which medications to use when their asthma becomes worse. Our friendly, knowledgeable VCC pediatric specialists are here to answer any other questions you have about your child’s asthma.
Call now to schedule an appointment!
(844) 308-5003
The medical information contained on this article is general in nature and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for the advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by your own physician or a qualified healthcare provider. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with your own physician or a qualified healthcare provider. Although every effort is made to ensure the information provided is accurate and timely, it is provided for convenience and should not be considered official.