It can be scary parenting a child with asthma. You don’t always notice the subtle symptoms of an impending attack. That is one reason to stay prepared, just in case. All children need to stay active and enjoy life. For many, to live means to play sports. You may be tempted to dissuade your child from playing team sports as the strenuous activity can sometimes bring on an attack. While you may use a nebulizer at home, it isn’t very convenient to carry around. Talk to your doctor about an inhaler for your child. You can easily carry one in your purse, your child’s backpack, or sports bag. If your child is too young to use an inhaler correctly, ask your doctor if an aerosol holding chamber would make a difference. For those with more severe asthma, prescription medicines may help control asthma attacks in children over 12 months.
Sometimes a child who has sports induced asthma can ward off an attack by using the inhaler right before the game or practice. Make a point of talking to your child’s coach privately about your child’s condition. Create a hand signal that your child can use to get out of the game if necessary. Tell the coach that your child will use the hand signal when breathing becomes difficult. Then the coach can replace your child with another player. Usually, coaches quite understand, especially since so may children now have an asthma diagnosis.
The American Lung Association estimates that about seven million children under age 18 have asthma and over one million under age five. Asthma is among the leading causes of childhood hospitalization and school absenteeism. Asthma causes inflammation of the bronchial airways, which causes then to over react. That results in increased mucus production, mucosal swelling, and muscle contraction. The symptoms produced are chest tightness, coughing, and wheezing.
Create an asthma treatment plan for your child. It should include an emergency treatment plan that you share in writing with any adults responsible for caring for your child. Some examples are teachers, school nurse, sports coaches, and sleepovers. When you are able to identify an asthma trigger for your child eliminate it if possible.
Photo Credit Julia Fuller 2006
by Julia Fuller
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There is still hope, scientists at Johns Hopkins have developed sugar-coated polymer strands that selectively kill off cells involved in triggering aggressive allergy and asthma attacks http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091119194126.htm I for one would appreciate enjoying a nice day outdoors without worrying about my pollen allergy.