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| Home > Helping a Loved One > Asthma and Children > Your Child Depends on You |
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All children depend on their parents for their well-being. But children with asthma need extra care to stay healthy. While caring for a child with asthma can seem overwhelming at times, it's easier than you think.
Here are some practical tips that can help:
Educate yourself, your child with asthma, and caregivers.
Nothing is more important than education. Teach your child as much about asthma as possible. Also, tell daycare providers, teachers, school nurses, and coaches about your son's or daughter's condition, and about his or her Asthma Action Plan and Asthma Emergency Contact List.
Also, help your child understand the importance of his or her medications, and encourage your child to use them as recommended by your child's healthcare professional.
The more everyone involved understands about asthma, the easier it will be to deal with it every day or in an emergency.
This Web site is a good place to start learning about asthma. You'll also find plenty of information in Online Resources.
Of course, you should always talk to your child's healthcare professional and NEVER be afraid to ask questions.
Know the warning signs.
- If your child looks anxious, is coughing more than usual, or seems out of breath, he or she may be having an asthma flare-up. Know the warning signs so that you can help avoid a more severe episode.
- Create an Asthma Action Plan with your child's healthcare professional. Keep it handy so you'll know exactly what to do when asthma flares up.
Avoid triggers.
Helping your child avoid asthma triggers will help keep the condition under control. Here are some ways to do that:
- If your child's asthma is related to allergies, try to "allergy-proof" your home. For instance, remove carpeting, rugs, drapes, and other items—including closets full of clothes or stuffed animals—that can trap dust. This is especially important in your child's bedroom.
- If you have a pet with fur, and your child is allergic to animal dander, the best solution is to find another home for the pet. If you must keep the pet, try to keep it away from your child—or at least out of the child's room.
- If you smoke, stop. At the very least, smoke outside the home.
Help your child cope with others.
If your child has asthma, one issue he or she may face is the feeling among friends and schoolmates—whether real or imagined—that asthma makes him or her different.
Remember the pressure you felt as a child or teenager to be like everyone else? It's the same for your child. Having asthma can make a child feel even more apart from the crowd.
Help your child understand that asthma can be controlled. Work with your child so he or she doesn't downplay asthma and avoid taking medication. There are support groups that can help your child cope with his or her asthma. Your child's healthcare professional, clinic, and many other organizations can provide information about these groups.
Some organizations also sponsor camps for children with asthma. Spending time with other children who have asthma can help young people feel less different and make it easier for them to follow their healthcare professional's advice.
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