How to Treat Asthma in Children

Overview

Asthma is an inflammation of the airways in the lungs, and is characterized by wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and frequent upper respiratory infections. Children of all ages can develop asthma. Treatment methods vary according to the age of the child and the severity of his condition.

Step 1

Keep a journal of your child's symptoms in a notebook that you can develop into an action plan. An action plan contains information about when symptoms arise, activities that she participated in prior to the attack and how she seems to be responding to various medications. Being proactive can help keep your child's asthma symptoms to a minimum.

Step 2

Take your child to get his pulmonary function tested. Devices such as spirometers and peak flow meters measure lung function and are used determine what type of treatment plan and medication dosages will help your child breathe more easily. Children under the age of 5 may not be able to follow directions well enough to have this test done; doctors may rely more on the parents' retelling of symptoms related to asthma. Older children can learn how to test their own lung function with a portable peak flow meter at home.

Step 3

Limit your child's exposure to elements that may cause an asthma attack, such as pollen, pets, smoke or exercise. Keep your home free of dust and other irritants. If your child has exercise-induced asthma and likes to play sports, suggest sports such as baseball or swimming. The Mayo Clinic explains that these activities are less likely to provoke an asthma attack than sports like basketball or soccer.

Step 4

Give your child medications as directed by her physician. Some children may need to use inhalers that contain corticosteroids or other medications on a daily basis to control chronic symptoms and to prevent attacks. Others may only need quick-acting bronchodilator drugs when an asthma attack is in progress. Don't stop treatments without consulting with your child's doctor.

Step 5

Pay attention to your child's response to each asthma medication and report your findings to his doctor. Not all children respond the same to different drugs. Children especially need regular monitoring for dose adjustments as they grow. Some children will outgrow asthma and no longer need medications, while for others, it's a life-long condition.