According to the American Lung Association, asthma is the leading serious chronic illness of children in the United States and is the one of the most common causes of school absenteeism. It is not a condition that can be cured, but it can be treated and controlled. The more you understand this condition, the better equipped you will be to help your child cope with, and learn to manage, her asthma.
Step 1
Read her a book. Asthma can be a frightening condition for children, and for those in school, it can embarrassing when classmates do not understand. Two books in particular, which have been written for children with asthma, may help them cope with their condition. "Taking Asthma to School," by Barbara Mitchell, helps classmates understand that your child is just like them. It also offers tips for her teachers. "The Lion Who Has Asthma," by Jonathan London is about a little boy who loves to be a pilot when he is receiving his nebulizer treatment. He can then go back to being anything he wants, such as a lion or elephant.
Step 2
Educate your child. People are typically afraid of things they don't know--this includes asthma. Just because you understand what the doctor says doesn't mean your child does. On his next visit, as his doctor to explain what asthma is, why and how it happens and how his medications work to stop or prevent an attack. Once your child understands his condition, he will be better equipped to cope with it.
Step 3
Determine the triggers. According to the American Lung Association, asthma attacks are usually triggered by something, whether that be exercise, weather, infections or allergies. Helping your child determine triggers is another way of helping her cope with and manage the condition. Eighty percent of the time, if a brochodilator is used before your child participates in some form of exercise, the asthma attack can be prevented.
Step 4
Join a support group. At a support group, your child will have the ability to associate with other children his age who are experiencing the same emotions and medical situations as him. Although he may have friends at school and a loving family at home, a support group will help him identify with other asthmatic kids and learn new coping techniques in the process.
Step 5
Listen. One of the greatest things you can do for your child is listen to her when she is scared, upset or even angry with her condition. These are all normal emotions and rather than sweep them under the rug, you need to validate her feelings and let her know that it is OK to feel what she is feeling. At the same time keep things positive. Point out everything she can do; this will help keep things in perspective for her, allowing her to focus on the positive in her life rather than the negative effects of her condition.
