No one wants to see their child suffer from asthma, especially on days when they’re at school and you can’t be around with them to monitor their activities. Helping your child manage asthma effectively, however, will greatly improve his/her quality life.
Know Your Child’s Asthma Triggers
Knowing what triggers your child’s asthma can make management a lot easier. Compiling a list of the possible triggers and the accompanying symptoms will also be helpful during regular check-ups and for teaching your child what to do in case he/she is having an attack.
Make Your Home Asthma-Proof
If you know what triggers the child’s asthma, it would be easier to create a home that is safe for the child, because you have more control over your home than if the child is in school or other public places. Limit his/her exposure to such triggers and ask for cooperation from family and friends.
Share the Information with Concerned People
Long-term asthma treatments can be stressful for both the child and the parents, that is why you will also need the help of other people who will be around your child as he/she is growing up. Inform relatives, teachers, coaches, and friends of the child so that they can assist whenever an attack occurs. This will also educate other people about the illness and they will be more than willing to help create a safer environment for the child in the classroom.
Keep Up Medication and Treatment
A detailed record of all your child’s medications, treatments, and information on what to do during an attack will greatly improve the child’s quality of life. You are responsible for making sure that your child is getting the best treatment possible and that his/her medications are up to date. It would also be helpful if you are familiar with the prescribed medications, the proper dosage, and possible side effects so you don’t panic when something goes wrong.
Encourage an Active Lifestyle
Even if your child has asthma, it does not mean you should keep him/her at home all the time. A growing child needs to live an active life just like every other child. Talk to the pediatrician about activities that can help improve the child’s condition such as outdoor and indoor sports. If you can, ask the help of a trainer or the school coach to monitor the child’s activities in case an attack happens.
Know What to Do During an Attack
You should always have an asthma action plan ready in case an attack happens. Make sure that your child and other people who will be monitoring him/her are also aware of what to do. First, memorize the symptoms of an asthma attack, then help the child to calm down and sit up straight. Next, help the child take a puff of the reliever inhaler (up to a maximum of 10 puffs) once every 30 to 60 seconds. Finally, take the child to a clinic or hospital if the symptoms do not improve.