Imagine your child is playing a game of freeze tag outside with her friends. Suddenly, you notice her grasp her neck because she is having trouble breathing. She is having an asthma flare-up. According to the Mayo Clinic, asthma is a chronic lung disease that narrows the bronchial tubes (airways) and creates a mucus that blocks air from getting into your child's lungs. Allergies, stress, exercise and cold air are just some of the things that can trigger an asthma flare-up. There are specific steps to treat asthma in pediatric patients.
Step 1
Go to your pediatrician to obtain a prescription for rescue medications like short-acting beta-2 agonists such as albuterol, ipatropium or oral and intravenous steroids like methylprednisone. According to Kids Health, rescue medications work quickly to stop asthma flare-ups. Your child inhales this medication, and it works to relax the muscles in your child's airway. With relaxed muscles, more air is allowed to enter, and your child can breathe easier. Discuss with your pediatrician which rescue medication treatment is best for your child.
Step 2
Obtain controller medications such as fluticasone, salmetorol and montelukast to prevent asthma flare-ups. According to Kids Health, controller medications are maintenance or preventative medications that are taken everyday, regardless of whether your child has an asthma flare-up or not. They keep your child's airways open and allow air to enter the lungs. This medication may take days to weeks to work, but it may be used in conjunction with rescue medications. Discuss with your pediatrician which controller medication and rescue inhaler combination is best for your child.
Step 3
Avoid asthma triggers. The Mayo Clinic states you should dust your house regularly and use the air conditioner to reduce the pollen and humidity in the air. Make sure to change your air filter and bathe your pets regularly. If your child's asthma is exercise-induced, have your child walk instead of run. Wash your child's bed sheets weekly. Ask your child to wash her hands frequently to avoid catching infections that can trigger her asthma.
Things You'll Need
- Rescue medication such as albuterol, ipatropium or methlprednisone
- Controller medications such as fluticasone, salmetorol and montelukast
- Duster
- New air filter
- Pet shampoo
- Washer
- Dryer
- Detergent
