Tips for Helping Your Child Manage Asthma Symptoms
While a common childhood illness, asthma is also a highly treatable one. Knowing what induces an asthma attack and what can prevent it will take some time to determine. Moreover, each asthmatic child will respond differently to various triggers and medications. Yet with persistence, patience, and pediatric care, parents and their children can find great success in both reducing the frequency and severity of flare-ups.
Eliminate asthma triggers.
Virtually anything can constitute an asthma trigger. A trigger may be an allergen such as dust mites, pet dander, or pollen. Asthma can also be trigged by another illness such as the cold or flu. A trigger may even stem from weather changes. Additionally, no two asthma triggers will affect a child in the same way. However, by paying careful attention to the circumstances surrounding your child’s asthma attack, you can begin to identify triggers and remove them when possible.
Anticipate asthma flare-ups.
If your child has been diagnosed with asthma, consult your pediatrician about using a peak flow meter at home. A peak flow meter is a device that measures breathing ability. Even if your child shows no asthmatic symptoms and claims to feel fine, a peak flow meter can alert you to a future asthma attack. In some cases, this device can serve as a warning days before a flare-up occurs.
Follow your pediatrician’s instructions.
A crucial component of managing your child’s asthma is having an open line of communication with your pediatrician and closely following her medication recommendations for your child. While trigger elimination and flare-up prevention are important parts of coping with childhood asthma, they cannot take the place of professional general pediatric care.
Does your child suffer from asthma? If so, Dr. Nan Nuessle can help. Dr. Nan is a pediatric physician who offers personalized care for patients in Independence, Kansas. No matter whether your child is newly diagnosed with asthma or has been suffering from it for years, Dr. Nan can help manage your child’s symptoms for a more comfortable and flare-free life. To schedule an appointment, please call (913) 948-3323.
- Loading comments...
