1. Join the Club
At least 6.5 million children have asthma, including 1.4 million who are under the age of 5. It's the leading serious chronic illness that children suffer from. The child's bronchial airways become inflamed, which causes the airways to become over-reactive and excessive, resulting in more mucus, swelling and muscle contraction. Once the inflammation happens, their airway obstructs, their chest tightens and they start wheezing or coughing. During a severe asthma attack, your child can experience low blood oxygen and shortness of breath. Asthma symptoms and severity varies depending on the child, but some good news, all children with asthma have a reversal of symptoms between episodes.
2. Know the Signs
There are certain common asthma symptoms including wheezing or whistling sounds when your child exhales, coughing, rapid breathing and shortness of breath. If your child coughs a lot or suffers from respiratory infections, have the doctor evaluate him for asthma. This is especially true if he tends to cough after exerting himself physically or after crying. Many times, asthma is worse at night and he'll keep coughing. Chest tightness is another symptom, so listen when your child tells you his chest feels funny or hurts.
3. Avoid Triggers
Asthma is often triggered by respiratory infections such as the flu. These infections are usually caused by viruses, not bacteria, so antibiotics can't help. That's why it's essential that children with breathing problems or asthma get vaccinated for the flu every year. If he has a flare up, your child's doctor will probably put him on bronchodilator medication or corticosteroids. He should also be kept well hydrated. If it's something like sinusitis or an ear infection, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics for three to four weeks or longer. On the other hand, allergies also cause asthma outbreaks. It may be pets, inhalants, insects or foods--all of which should be avoided. If you're not sure exactly what your child is allergic to, get a skin test done.
4. Breathe in Clean Air
Asthma symptoms get worse when children breath in irritants like cigarette smoke, odors, air pollution, paint fumes and aerosol sprays. These substances irritate the upper airways and lung tissue. Your child may start to wheeze, cough, have a runny nose or watery eyes. Recognize what's irritating your child and keep her away from it, especially cigarette smoke. If your child has asthma, there should be no smoking inside your home. The climate can also trigger asthma in children, especially if she's forced to breathe in cold air. You can prevent asthma attacks by having her wear a special ski mask designed for this purpose or a heavy scarf, wrapped loosely around her mouth and nose.
5. Suck in Medicine
Inhaled bronchodilator medications, either in a metered dose inhaler or nebulizer, are very effective in opening your child's airways during asthma attacks. There are very few severe side effects, so you should feel safe having him take the medicine. Inhaled bronchodilator medication is preferred over theophylline for use on a regular basis. It treats asthma attacks and even helps prevent asthma triggered by exercise. Depending on what your child's doctor says, it may be the only medication he needs. There is a warning, though. Some kids overuse their inhaler because it's so effective with few side effects. That can be dangerous, so you need to teach your child when he should suck on his inhaler. Bronchodilator sprays will begin working in as little as five to 10 minutes. Liquids will take about one hour to kick in.
