Children and parents will learn the ways to deal with asthma after the child has been diagnosed with the disease and a doctor provides a treatment plan. It is important for the child to understand the condition and learn to use medication to relieve symptoms over time. Parents, of course, must always be around in the beginning until the child knows how to deal with situations at home, play or in school.
Medication
The child will be taught to use quick relief medication that will help to rapidlly open the airways that are swollen and affecting breathing. If the child has frequent or severe symptoms it will be necessary to use long-term control medication. These medicines prevent inflammation. Sometimes the medications are taken seasonally when the symptoms get worse during a certain time of the year. The child's symptoms or triggers of symptoms usually change over time, according to the Mayo Clinic. So it is necessary for the parent to work with the doctor to know how to adjust medications and letting the child know if he or she is old enough.
Home
In the beginning much of the work is on the parent but the child will soon understand why certain steps have to be taken. The child may have to avoid pollen from the trees and grass outside so the air conditioner will often be needed during pollen season. Air conditioning also lowers humidity and reduces exposure to house dust mites, another trigger for asthma. The indoor air must remain clean with the air conditioner or furnace checked frequently. Carpets and drapes must be kept clean or be removed. Washable curtains or blinds are a good alternative. Pillows, mattresses and box springs must be clean and kept inside dust-proof covers. The child might not be able to have pets. But if there is one, pet dander must be reduced regularly. The pet should be bathed often. This creates an environment that might seem a bit restrictive, but the situation will soon become a normal one for the child and the family.
Exercise
Many parents worry about their asthmatic children exercising. But the child can exercise regularly and live a normal life like other kids. There are times when asthma symptoms will interfere with activities and sports. But the child can usually maintain an active life when the symptoms are under control. Children with asthma need to take necessary precautions before activities, according to The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Children should stretch before and after exercising and breathe through the nose to warm and humidify air that enters the airways. The proper medication should be given before exercising, and the child should always carry medications in case of an asthma episode. It is also important that the child get the necessary exercise to stay in shape. Overweight conditions can worsen asthma symptoms.
School
Teachers, school nurses, athletic educators and school officials should be aware of children who have asthma and ensure that they have medication with them at all times. This will become second nature to the child, but adults around the child should know in case of emergencies. The child could also be vulnerable to the air quality in the school. There are rarely problems with schools, many of which are aware of children with asthma and how to deal with any problems.
