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3 Steps to Help Your Child with Asthma Stay Healthy
Childhood breathing problems can be
stressful and frightening for parents. After all, you
want your child to be able to play just like every other
child. You don't want him or her to have to live in
a bubble or struggle to breathe.
Unfortunately, breathing problems--usually
related to asthma and allergies--are becoming more and
more common in Western countries. Experts are still
exploring why this is so. But the bottom line is, if
you're a parent of a young child, there's a good chance
you'll have to deal with asthma at some point in time.
So what is a parent to do? Just give
up and accept that your child will never be "normal"?
Of course not! The good news is, there are quite a few
positive actions you can take that will go a long way
towards helping your child live a happy, active life.
Here are three main steps you can take
to help keep your child with asthma healthy...
Step 1: First, you need to understand
asthma.
Knowledge is power, and knowing what
actions to take start with understanding what's going
on in your child's body. Asthma is a chronic breathing
problem that interferes with your child's ability to
get air in and out of his or her lungs.
When your child has asthma, the airways
often become red, swollen and irritated. This means
the passages become narrower, which makes it harder
for the air to flow in and out. Also, the airways overreact
by producing large amounts of mucus, which can clog
the airways further. This causes symptoms such as coughing,
wheezing, and shortness of breath.
There is no cure for asthma, but there
are many medicines and treatments that can keep it under
control. Some children do grow out of asthma over time
as well.
Step 2: Get a handle on your child's
asthma triggers.
It's a well-known fact that asthma symptoms
are set off--or triggered--by certain environmental
substances. For unknown reasons, your child's body "sees"
these triggers as threats, even though most people are
not bothered by them. The lungs then overreact by triggering
an asthma attack.
The most common asthma triggers in children
are pollen, dust, molds, food allergies, pet dander,
and even colds. Scents and cigarette smoke can also
set off an asthma attack.
As a parent, you will be able to notice
the things that trigger your child's asthma symptoms.
Make note of the patterns, and then do your best to
help your child avoid those triggers as much as possible.
Step 3: Play an active role in your
child's health care.
Children who have asthma do need medical
care. It's important to consult with your pediatrician
or an asthma specialist and get your child on a treatment
program that will help control or prevent his or her
symptoms.
The doctor may prescribe the treatment,
but it will be up to you to carry it out. It is essential
to follow the plan laid out for your child to the letter.
Skipping doses of medicine or nebulizer treatments--even
on good days--will lead to health problems sooner or
later... probably sooner.
So, talk with your health care professional.
Ask questions until you are sure you understand exactly
what is going on and what to do for your child. Ask
your child's doctor to help you fill out an "Asthma
Action Plan" that guides you when to take emergency
action during asthma attacks or when an attack is building.
Lastly, keep your child's doctor informed
about what is working or not working. Report when your
child's symptoms change. The doctor will not know when
to update the plan of treatment unless you keep him
or her informed.
So, in summary, parents are in the best
position to help their children with asthma stay healthy
and live active lives like other kids. All it takes
is a healthy dose of knowledge, good observation skills,
active communication with the care team, and a generous
helping of love.
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