How to manage asthma in children

Diwali brings a lot of air pollution with it. While asthma cannot be cured, there are things you can do to manage it well.

By: Dr Anitha Anchan | | Updated: October 4, 2017 10:56 am

Asthma is very difficult to deal with, and more complicated when children suffer from this disease. If you’re worried that your child may not be able to lead a healthy and active childhood, do not worry. While asthma cannot be cured, there are things you can do to manage it well. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you. Asthma: All you need to know.

Understand what triggers asthma in your child

It could be airborne irritants like pollen, house dust mites, animal dander (from dogs and cats), mould, spores, etc. Viral or bacterial respiratory infections like common cold, flu, bronchitis and sinus infections could worsen it. Foods like milk, eggs, peanuts, wheat, fish and preservatives like sodium bisulphite, potassium bisulphite, etc. can also trigger asthmatic episodes. Once you figure out the culprit, you can prevent attacks to a large extent. 10 asthma triggers you should avoid.

Minimise your child’s exposure to allergens

Change bed sheets and pillow covers regularly. Wash bed and pillow covers in hot water. Keep your kitchen and bathroom clean. Keep them dry to prevent mould and cockroaches. Replace carpeted floor with hardwood floors or tiles.
Avoid pets with fur or feathers in the house or keep them outdoors. Avoid stuffed animals, or only buy washable ones. Eliminate tobacco smoke from the home.
If food is the trigger for your child’s asthma, get allergy skin tests done to determine the offending food. Avoid the ones that trigger your child’s asthma.
Certain medications like aspirin, pain killers (NSAIDs), etc. may trigger an asthmatic attack. Such drugs should be avoided. Talk to your child’s doctor about switching to alternative medicines. Here are 8 steps to manage asthma in children better (Gallery)

Monitor your child’s lung function

Lung function measures how quickly you child can move air out of his/her lungs and it usually decreases a couple of days prior to an asthma attack. It can help you see if an attack is coming so that you can take actions accordingly.

Ensure that the child takes his/her medications

Make sure your child takes the medications regularly as prescribed by the doctor. These medicines maintain the normal diameter of the airways and control airway inflammation, thereby preventing an attack of asthma.

Medicate at the right time

Quick relief drugs are used during asthma attacks for quick relief of symptoms. Long acting or control drugs are prescribed to prevent asthma attacks. Do talk to the doctor to understand the difference between the two along with the dosages.

Learn to use devices that deliver your child’s asthma medicine

A nebulizer may be used for younger children. If your child is older train him/her about how to use an inhaler. Are you being overmedicated for asthma?

Read more about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of asthma.

Let your child do just about anything he/she wants

Asthma need not be a reason for your child to avoid walking or playing sports like swimming, biking, etc. It may however be more challenging to take part in endurance sports like long-distance running, cycling, etc. which require long periods of exertion. If your child takes his/her medicines regularly he/she, like any other child, can play sports. And make sure your child carries quick relief medications to all his/her activities. Natural remedies to relieve your child of the discomfort of asthma.

Inform people in close association with your child about his/her condition

Teachers, coaches, friends, etc. should be made aware of your child’s condition. Keep them informed about the asthma triggers, what medications are to be given in case of an attack and how to administer the medications. Create a plan on necessary steps to take when asthma symptoms worsen.

Image source: Getty Images

Published: May 4, 2015 10:20 am | Updated:October 4, 2017 10:56 am

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