What can parents and Caregivers do?
The American Lung Association has provided tips for parents and caregivers who support a child with asthma:
1) As with any medicine, do not leave asthma medication within reach of young children. A responsible adult should supervise your child while taking medicine until you, your child and the pediatrician agree that he or she is responsible enough to handle it alone.
2) If your child must take asthma medicine during the school day, contact the school health services staff to work out a plan. Be sure to share a copy of your child's Asthma Action Plan. Click here for tips on communicating with the school about your child's asthma.
3) Be aware that sometimes a child who is having an asthma flare may not be able to effectively use an inhaler because they can not breathe in enough air to get the medicine to their lungs. If you suspect this may be happening, get emergency help right away.
4) Children as young as three can use an inhaler with a spacer if get proper instruction and some practice. Children who have trouble using inhalers may find a nebulizer helpful. This is a small machine that converts the asthma medicine into a mist that the child can breathe in through a mask.
5) Keep your home and car smoke-free, and try to avoid smoky public places. If you smoke now is the time to quit for your child.
6) Pets with fur and feathers can be an asthma trigger for many people. Think carefully, and discuss with your pediatrician, before adding a dog, cat or bird to your household. If you already have a pet like this you may need to make some changes. The child's bedroom at least should be a pet-free zone.
7) Another common trigger for children is exercise. If your child has trouble with sports or other physical activity, talk to your doctor about the possibility of prescribing medicine for use before exercising. Also, keep an eye on the pollen and air quality forecast in your area, and limit the amount of time your child plays outdoors on bad air days.
8) Remember that children can not always control their own environment, and may need you to advocate for them.
1) As with any medicine, do not leave asthma medication within reach of young children. A responsible adult should supervise your child while taking medicine until you, your child and the pediatrician agree that he or she is responsible enough to handle it alone.
2) If your child must take asthma medicine during the school day, contact the school health services staff to work out a plan. Be sure to share a copy of your child's Asthma Action Plan. Click here for tips on communicating with the school about your child's asthma.
3) Be aware that sometimes a child who is having an asthma flare may not be able to effectively use an inhaler because they can not breathe in enough air to get the medicine to their lungs. If you suspect this may be happening, get emergency help right away.
4) Children as young as three can use an inhaler with a spacer if get proper instruction and some practice. Children who have trouble using inhalers may find a nebulizer helpful. This is a small machine that converts the asthma medicine into a mist that the child can breathe in through a mask.
5) Keep your home and car smoke-free, and try to avoid smoky public places. If you smoke now is the time to quit for your child.
6) Pets with fur and feathers can be an asthma trigger for many people. Think carefully, and discuss with your pediatrician, before adding a dog, cat or bird to your household. If you already have a pet like this you may need to make some changes. The child's bedroom at least should be a pet-free zone.
7) Another common trigger for children is exercise. If your child has trouble with sports or other physical activity, talk to your doctor about the possibility of prescribing medicine for use before exercising. Also, keep an eye on the pollen and air quality forecast in your area, and limit the amount of time your child plays outdoors on bad air days.
8) Remember that children can not always control their own environment, and may need you to advocate for them.