If your child has asthma, it's natural to want to help reduce the symptoms and frequency of attacks. While there's no known cure for asthma, there are some ways that you can help your child breathe easier without relying on additional medication or chemical treatments.
Step 1
Clean your house thoroughly to reduce the common allergens that cause asthma. These include pet hair and dander, dust and tobacco smoke. Vacuum all rugs, furniture, mattresses, pillows and drapes thoroughly, and wash bedding and curtains regularly. Use an air purifier to remove pollutants from the air, have your heating and cooling system cleaned at least once a year, and make it a rule that cigarette smoking is not allowed in the home.
Step 2
Keep the air temperature in your home consistent year round, as cold air--whether from the outside or an overzealous air conditioner--often makes asthma symptoms worse.
Step 3
Keep the air moist with a humidifier; however, this will only help reduce asthma symptoms if the humidifier is putting out clean moisture. Clean the unit regularly, using vinegar to disinfect it, and change the filter often.
Step 4
Avoid perfumes and scented products such as soaps, lotions, sprays, powders, detergents, candles and air fresheners. Young children are especially sensitive to these types of irritants. Choose unscented or fragrance-free products whenever possible, and only wash your child's clothing and bedding in detergent that's free of additives.
Step 5
Keep your child indoors as much as possible during pollen season to lessen her contact with common outdoor allergens.
Step 6
Cut back or eliminate the amount of dairy and refined foods you feed your child. Milk and white flour can increase mucous production and trigger an asthma attack. At the same time, serve more fresh fruits and vegetables, which will boost his immune system by providing antioxidants. Also provide lots of water to flush his system and reduce the amount of mucous in his lungs.
Step 7
Teach your child breathing exercises, such as slowly taking a deep breath, holding it for a few counts, and then slowly letting it out. This will give him a tool to help remain calm in times of stress, as well as strengthen the muscles of his respiratory system.
Step 8
Teach your child to lessen the severity of an attack by leaning forward while sitting, or lying on her side in a semi-prone position on the floor. Both will reduce pressure, relax the body and help restore normal breathing.
Step 9
Place a moist hot washcloth or towel on your child's chest during an attack, and hold it in place while he's in one of the above positions, or have him lie on his back. This will encourage his chest muscles to relax, which will help bring breathing back to normal more quickly.
Things You'll Need
- Vacuum cleaner
- Washer and dryer
- Air purifier
- Humidifier
- Furnace and AC filters
- Fragrance-free products
- Fresh fruit and vegetables
