Experts are beginning to understand that allergies and asthma are related. In fact, children with allergies often have asthma and a skin condition known as atopic dermatitis (eczema) as well. Since allergy triggers can lead to asthma attacks, effective control of allergies may lead to better control of asthma. Identifying these triggers and then avoiding them may help prevent asthma attacks. However, asthma attacks cannot always be prevented.
Seeing your child have an asthma attack can be worrisome or make you feel unsure of what to do the next time an attack occurs. Your child's doctor and pharmacist will recommend the right medication(s), doses and delivery devices for your child. Learn how to give the medications properly and make sure you understand the "action plan" designed to best manage your child's asthma. Keep the action plan handy: it's a list that takes you through specific steps to know when the asthma symptoms are worsening, what to do during an asthma attack, what dose of the medication to use, and when to seek medical attention. You might also be advised to use a peak flow meter at home, which measures how well the lungs are working.
If your child has an asthma attack, here's what to do:
- Act calm and confident and speak to the child reassuringly.
- Give the asthma-reliever medications at the very start of an attack as directed by your doctor.
- Make sure your child drinks liquids to prevent dehydration.
- Try to determine what triggered the attack, and then remove it (or the child) from the area.
- Follow the action plan. If your child uses a peak flow meter, take a measurement to use with the action plan.
- If the attack is under control, you can relax. If it isn't, follow the action plan - you may need to call the doctor or get immediate medical attention.
You can be your child's most important ally in controlling asthma. Inform teachers, principals, school nurses, coaches, and babysitters of the asthma, what triggers it, and what should be done during an attack. As kids get older, you can teach them to manage their asthma themselves. And if you're a smoker, try to quit, or at least don't smoke in the house - smoke aggravates asthma symptoms.