Asthma can be a challenging illness for a young child to deal with--frequent medications, limited activity and frightening asthma attacks. Asthma can make a child feel different from others and interrupt daily activities and fun. There are plenty of things you can do to help a child cope with asthma and keep it from interfering with normal childhood activities.
Step 1
Control asthma symptoms. If your child rarely has an asthma attack, she'll be more comfortable and less concerned about having an asthma attack at an inopportune time. Make sure your child has asthma medications that are effective in managing symptoms, and that you know what triggers your child's asthma. Take steps to avoid those triggers and keep symptoms away.
Step 2
Ease fears of an asthma attack with an emergency inhaler on hand. Your child may be nervous or worried about having an asthma attack. You can help alleviate his fears by having an emergency asthma inhaler nearby at all times, so that if symptoms do show up, your child can be assured that they can be quickly brought under control with the medication.
Step 3
Encourage play and activity. Asthma doesn't have to interfere with your child's play, exercise, sports and school. Although you may have to make sure that your child doesn't overexert herself during play or exercise and be careful when the weather is cold or allergens are high, don't keep your kid from just being a kid. Take precautions, but don't make your child miss out on the fun just because of her asthma.
Step 4
Give medications at a time that doesn't interrupt your child's activity. Make sure that your child gets his scheduled medications, but don't make it any more of a hassle than it needs to be. Administer medications at a time that isn't interrupting school, play or time with friends. Give it with a meal and don't make a big deal out of it--keep it simple so as not to make your child feel different or "sick."
Tips and Warnings
- The better asthma symptoms are controlled, the easier it will be for your child to cope with her illness--just try to keep it from interfering with her life.
- Always seek immediate medical treatment in the event of an emergency asthma attack, and talk to your doctor if symptoms can't be controlled and occur frequently.
Things You'll Need
- Daily asthma medications
- Emergency asthma medication
References
- Mayo Clinic-Asthma
- American Lung Association-Controlling Your Child's Asthma
- U.S. National Library of Medicine-Asthma in Children
