Asthma is a condition where the lungs become inflamed and swollen, producing extra mucus, and making it hard to breathe. It is a common condition that many children are diagnosed with in the early stages of their life. Although there is no cure for asthma, there are treatments to manage your child’s symptoms so they can live a happy, healthy life. Below, we’ll cover the symptoms as well as how to help your child manage their asthma. 

What are the symptoms? 

Some symptoms include: 

  • Frequent Coughing 
  • Wheezing 
  • Chest Congestion 
  • Shortness of Breath 
  • Fatigue 

If you are concerned that your child has asthma or they have any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your child's pediatrician for a check-up, because if left untreated, it can be extremely dangerous. If your child is diagnosed with asthma, here are a few ways to manage the condition. 

1. Regular Doctor’s Appointments 

With asthma, children need prescription medications like bronchodilators and steroids to keep their asthma under control. A treatment plan will be created by your children’s doctor, and it will be reevaluated at each doctor’s visit. Many doctors like to follow up one month after the diagnosis and then every three months after that, depending on how they are feeling. It is recommended that you schedule an appointment with your child’s doctor if their symptoms are not improving. 

2. Know Your Child’s Triggers 

It is important to know what triggers your child’s symptoms so you can best manage their asthma. There are a plethora of environmental elements that can worsen your child’s symptoms, leading to an asthma attack. Allergens like pollen, mold, and pet dander are common triggers. There are also triggers like weather changes, viral infections, and exercise. Knowing and avoiding these triggers will help your child feel better every day.  

3. Action Plan 

After your child is diagnosed with asthma, it is important to create an asthma management plan. This plan will outline how to manage your child’s symptoms and what to do in case they have an asthma attack. The plan should also include how you manage your child’s asthma, what their triggers are, and when to visit their doctor.  

While your child’s asthma has many triggers, there are ways to manage and help them live a healthy life. Whether you wash your pet weekly or avoid going outside during weather changes, the littlest things can help your child live a wonderful life. If you have any questions, please contact us!