After your child has been diagnosed with asthma, the best thing for you to do is to understand how and when asthma strikes. You should learn the triggers of your child's asthma attacks and know how to administer her medication. Setting up a management plan can be done with the help of your doctor or allergist, explains the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Such a plan gives you and your child can get a head start at detecting and treating any symptoms. The plan will outline the medications needed and when to take them, when and if you need to increase doses, and when it is time to add medication if necessary.
Medication
Medications your child will need include inhaled relievers that treat the symptoms and long-term control medicines to deal with inflammation. It is important that parents maintain a continuing relationship with the physician to keep up on any new medications and know what's best for the child.
Symptoms
Parents of asthmatic children soon learn to recognize the signs of asthma attacks. The symptoms may include a tightening of the chest, coughing with mucus, wheezing, trouble with breathing or talking and difficulty sleeping, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Prevention/Solution
A parent's job also includes keeping the child away from allergens and irritants that can cause asthma attacks. Each child may have different triggers, and they may include air pollution, dust, mold, pollen, tobacco smoke, pet dander, certain foods, perfume, sinus infections and viruses. Even crying or laughing may trigger an attack. You may have to do extra chores such as regularly washing bed sheets and covering mattresses and pillows to prevent dust. The family pet may have to be kept out of the child's bedroom. Not allowing smoking in the house or removing carpets and drapes may also be necessary.
School
Parents should contact school officials at the start of the new school year to inform them of the child's condition. You should provide information about the child's medication so everyone will be aware in case of an emergency. Schools will have a nurse or health services department that need information to help monitor the child. The school needs to know if the child has to carry an inhaler and what steps you should take. You should make sure the school's athletic instructors understand the child's condition.
Exercise
Exercise is very important to all children, and many parents worry about their children being involved in recreational activities. As soon as the medications take hold to control the asthma, exercise is no problem. Many athletes with asthma have excelled in sports. There is no reason your child can't enjoy the same fun and games as other children.
