How do you manage asthma in children? Asthma is a long-term illness that affects the lungs. It’s possible to effectively manage the condition but impossible to cure it. When the lungs of a child suffering from the condition are irritated, an attack occurs. Asthma in children is rarely life threatening although it makes breathing difficult. This page on tips for managing asthma in children is for learning purposes only. To learn to recognize and manage breathing and respiratory emergencies such as asthma and anaphylaxis enrol in first aid training with a certified provider near you.
Some of the most common symptoms of asthma are:
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness
- Breath shortness
Causes of Asthma
For decades now, scientists have tried to establish the exact cause but efforts have not yet bore fruits. However, statistics reveal that the condition is normally hereditary. Furthermore, asthma differs from one child to the other and each one of them reacts differently to the triggers.
Some of the common triggers of asthma in children include:
- Exercise
- Allergy Air Pollution
- Flu
- Cold
Treatment for Asthma
Asthma cannot be cured but it can be managed. The treatment method used mostly relies on relieving the symptoms and preventing future attacks. Doctors normally use several types of medication in combination with an action plan designed for the specific patient. The goal is to avoid potential triggers from causing a negative effect.
In order for a child to grow in a healthy manner, it’s significant for all doctor’s rules to be followed to the letter. This means that medication must be taken as prescribed. Reviews are conducted regularly so that progress can be measured. When asthma in children is properly managed, they get the opportunity of growing up just like their normal counterparts.
How to Live with Asthma
Bear in mind that asthma usually improves or deteriorates at specific times. Therefore, do not panic but rather follow the doctor’s instructions so that the child can keep the condition under control. It’s important to encourage the child to take full responsibility of their asthma. Don’t expect a child to adopt to the lifestyle overnight. The process is gradual and will require plenty of support from parents, family members, their doctor and friends as well.
Asthma in children can be dealt with in a successful manner when they understand what is required from them. They need to learn more with regards to medicines, triggers and identifying symptoms. This way, quality of life will be enhanced despite the presence of the illness.
Importance of Exercise
The importance of exercise, especially for children with asthma, cannot be overemphasized. In normal cases, children require physical activity of not less than 60 minutes each day. The exercise regimen should include moderate and vigorous activities. Walking, running, swimming and other cardiovascular exercises are the best.
Children living with asthma should generally:
- Use inhalers before and after exercising. Talk to your doctor to know the exact timing that the child should use the inhaler because asthma differs from child to child.
- Begin exercising with a warm-up routine.
- Carry out their exercises in surroundings that are humid.
- Try as much as possible not to breathe using their mouth but their nose. Asthma in children is controlled as a result because hyperventilation is avoided.
- Take time to cool the body down after completing the exercise.