How to Help Get Your Child’s Asthma Under Control

Did you know that in the U.S. alone, approximately 6 million kids suffer from asthma? That’s about 1 in 12 children. For a child, an asthma attack can feel frightening. The most important thing we can do for our kids is to arm them with knowledge ahead of the attack and help them stay calm when the next attack comes.

As a community, we can continue to learn more about asthma, learn how to manage it and learn how to recognize the warning signs of an asthma attack. Interestingly, asthma hospitalizations for children are actually decreasing. Children with asthma are also reporting fewer attacks and fewer missed days of school. Despite this progress, 1 in 6 children with asthma still end up in the Emergency Room every year.

What you can do to help your child?

1.) Reduce asthma triggers at home:

* Clean for allergens (i.e. dust mites, animal dander and molds)

* Eliminate all sources of smoke

2.) Remind your child to take breaks during exercise to catch her breath

3.) Reduce emotional anxiety or stress

4.) Use asthma controller medicine as prescribed

5.) Share your child’s asthma plan with schools, caregivers and healthcare providers.

A change in weather can also trigger asthma attacks. While spring allergens (particularly pollen) can be tough on kids with asthma, viral infections that predominate in the fall and winter can also cause asthma attacks. Please always have your child’s medication with you.

We believe that keeping a child’s asthma under control is an achievable goal, but not without help from parents and our community. With knowledge, awareness and management, you can rest assured knowing your child will live an active, normal life!

For more health tips, subscribe to our newsletter. ExpressMD Urgent Care is open 7 days a week, all days of the year except Thanksgiving and Christmas.