While asthma affects people of all ages, children with asthma have special concerns. Every day we meet worried parents who care for a child with asthma. If you are one, read on to learn the answers to questions we are frequently asked.
What causes asthma?Besides having a genetic component, other factors can trigger asthma attacks. Environmental triggers include pollens, dust mites, tobacco smoke, pets, air pollution, strong smells, and cold weather.
Asthma triggers can differ from one person to another, hence it’s important to know what triggers your child’s asthma to minimize exposure.
Is asthma worse during certain seasons?
Fall and winter are allergy and asthma high-incidence periods. Therefore, it is important to be extra careful about day-to-day asthma maintenance.
How’s asthma managed?
There are three different types of asthma medications used in the treatment of asthma. 1. Reliever medications: Help re-open airway muscles 2. Preventer medications: Reduce inflammation 3. Symptom controllers: control day/night symptoms.Are asthma medications safe?
Asthma medications are mostly given via inhalers or puffers that deliver small amounts of medication straight into the airways. This allows the medication to act more quickly and reduces the risk of side effects. Asthma medicines are much safer than untreated or under-treated asthma.
What is the best way to avoid asthma attacks?
There are lots of things you can do to help reduce your child’s risk of an asthma attack:
- Have your child take his/her medicines regularly as prescribed
- Have regular asthma reviews with your child’s doctor
- Check with your child’s doctor or pharmacist that you/your child is using the inhaling devicecorrectly
- Avoid the things thattrigger your child’s asthma where possible
- Avoid exposing your child to secondhand smoke Let your child haveregular flu vaccinations
When to seek immediate help?
Observe your child for any of the following:
- Pale or bluish looking skin
- Breathlessness
- Cannot walk or talk
- Looks exhausted or irritable
- Rapid breathing
- Using accessory muscles of breathing in-drawing of muscles at the neck when breathing.
