Tips for Managing Pediatric Asthma
Dealing with pediatric asthma can seem overwhelming for parents. You cannot stand to see your child have a flare-up and want to do everything in your power to prevent one from happening. Fortunately, it is possible to control the symptoms and limit the flare-ups.
How to manage pediatric asthma
Here are a few tips on managing your child's asthma symptoms.
Keep records
Detailed records of asthma attacks are necessary for avoiding future attacks. Parents should keep records that include the number of episodes, the triggers and the number of times the child had to use rescue medications. These records should be shared with the child's pediatrician.
Minimize exposure to triggers
Parents cannot control some triggers, such as weather changes, but they do have the power to limit exposure to others. Parents should keep their children away from triggers such as cigarette smoke and furry pets. Limiting exposure is a powerful step in controlling pediatric asthma symptoms.
Use rescue medication early
Many parents wait until a child wheezes before administering rescue medication. However, that is not necessary. Parents should give children their rescue medication as soon as they develop any respiratory symptoms.
For example, parents should administer the medication if their child is coughing. Coughing is often a sign that an asthma attack is on the way, and providing the medication will curb the symptoms.
Get a flu vaccine
The flu is a serious problem for kids with asthma. The flu can cause significant issues, including severe asthma flare-ups. Parents can avoid this problem by getting their children vaccinated at the beginning of the flu season each year. Vaccinating as early as possible can limit exposure to the dangerous virus.
Keep quick-relief medication handy
Children need to have easy access to their quick-relief medication in case a flare-up occurs. Parents should keep medication in a variety of areas, including school, their grandparents’ home and daycare. As a general rule, if the child spends time at a location, that place needs to have quick-relief medication.
Parents need to check the medication on a regular basis to see if it needs to be refilled. If it does, it should be replaced as soon as possible.
Let children exercise
Parents of children with pediatric asthma are wary of letting their kids exercise. They are concerned that physical activity will lead to a flare-up. However, exercise is necessary for children’s overall health and well-being. Instead of preventing physical activity, parents should give their children quick-relief medication prior to exercise or other strenuous activities.
Then, they should monitor their children during physical activity. The quick-relief medication should do the trick, but it is still a good idea to keep an eye on asthmatic children while they play or exercise.
Fight back against pediatric asthma
If your child has pediatric asthma, these tips will help. Keep records, minimize exposure to triggers, use rescue medications as needed, get the flu vaccine and keep those medications on hand at all times. Also, let your child exercise. Then, talk to your child’s pediatrician about how these changes have helped in managing the asthma symptoms.
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