Managing your child’s Asthma

Has your child been diagnosed with asthma? Are you worried that your child may not have a healthy and active childhood? Though there is no cure for asthma, your child can lead a normal life if it is managed correctly.

·         It could be airborne irritants like pollen, house dust mites, animal like dogs or cats mould, spores etc. Viral or bacterial respiratory infections like common cold, flu, bronchitis and sinus infections could worsen it. Once you figure out the culprit, you can prevent attacks to a large extent.

·         Change bed sheets and pillow covers regularly. Wash the bed and pillow covers in hot water. Keep your kitchen and bathroom clean. Keep them dry to prevent mould and cockroaches.

·         Lung function measures how quickly you child can move air out of his/her lungs and it usually decreases a couple of days prior to an asthma attack. It can help you see if an attack is coming so that you can take actions accordingly.

·         Make sure your child takes the medications regularly as prescribed by the doctor. These medicines maintain the normal diameter of the airways and control airway inflammation thereby preventing an attack of asthma.

·         Asthma need not be a reason for your child to avoid walking or playing sports like swimming, biking, etc. It may however be more challenging to take part in endurance sports like long-distance running, cycling, etc. which require long periods of exertion. If your child takes his/her medicines regularly he/she, like any other child, can play sports. And make sure your child carries quick relief medications to all his/her activities.

·        Teachers, coaches, friends etc. should be made aware of your child’s condition. Keep them informed about the asthma triggers, what medications are to be given in case of an attack, and how to administer the medications. Create a plan on necessary steps to take when asthma symptoms worsen.