Asthma is an inflammatory condition that affects the lungs and respiratory tract, making it difficult to breathe. Asthma can interfere with a child's daily activities--play, school work and regular exercise. It's important to understand what triggers your child's asthma symptoms so you can keep them under control.
Step 1
Use medications regularly. Your child's doctor should prescribe medication to manage an asthma attack when it occurs but also to prevent symptoms from flaring up. Make sure your child adheres to the recommended medication regimen to prevent symptoms and asthma attacks. If the medications don't do a good job of controlling your child's asthma, talk to the doctor about changing them.
Step 2
Limit exposure to secondhand smoke and other air pollutants. Secondhand smoke and air pollutants are major asthma triggers that can exacerbate symptoms, according to the Nemours Foundation. Keep your child indoors on days when pollution and allergens (such as ragweed, pollen and mold) in the air are high.
Step 3
Keep your home clean. Household asthma triggers are common; mold and dust can contaminate the air in the home, worsening asthma symptoms. Vacuum, mop and dust your home frequently, wash all linens regularly and clean areas where mold is likely to build up (kitchens, bathrooms or anywhere moist) with a bleach solution.
Step 4
Manage pet hair and dander. You may not have to eliminate pets from your home, but you do have to stay on top of their hair and dander. Pet hair and dander are common triggers of asthma symptoms, says the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology. Keep pets groomed and bathed, and vacuum frequently to pick up hair.
Step 5
Watch your child's activity level. Exercise and play are important, but you need to monitor your child's activity to prevent worsening asthma symptoms. Make sure your child doesn't overexert himself, and be extra careful when the weather is cold and dry, when your child is more likely to develop asthma symptoms.
Tips and Warnings
- Figure out what triggers your child's asthma symptoms--whether it's a food, a certain perfume or outdoor allergens--and limit exposure to them for better symptom control.
- Always have an emergency inhaler on hand in the event of an asthma attack.
Things You'll Need
- Asthma medications
- Household cleaning products
- Vacuum
