Asthma is a common respiratory concern that many people face in America today. This condition causes the lungs and airways to narrow and swell, often accompanied by excessive mucus production. The severity of the condition ranges from patient to patient, with some experiencing severe symptoms and others finding it a mild irritant at worse. In the worst cases, the condition can be severely life-threatening. According to pediatricians, asthma remains among the most common chronic conditions in teens and children. Asthma has no known cure, but it is possible to medicate it to control the symptoms and limit their impact on the lives of sufferers. The earliest medications prescribed for asthma were used in the event of an attack. Modern innovations have led to preventative medications that limit attacks.
Identifying Signs Of Asthma In Your Child
A range of indicators suggests your child may be struggling with asthma. Most patients with asthma experience mild symptoms before the onset of their first full asthma attack. Identifying these signs early can help ensure the condition is managed as effectively as possible. Some common indicators of an asthma attack are as follows:
- Rapid, difficult breathing combined with the ribs and neck feeling “tight.”
- High incidence of catching a cold
- Breathing accompanied by wheezing and whistling
- Frequent coughing, particularly in the evening.
- Chronic complaints of fatigue
- Getting easily winded during active play
These symptoms indicate it may be time to reach out to your doctor about testing for asthma. Suppose it is discovered that your child has asthma. In that case, it’s essential to develop an action plan during an attack.
Developing an action plan for an asthma attack involves multiple considerations. It starts with trigger avoidance, steps taken to avoid the onset of an attack in the first place. A medication schedule is another preventative step. Finally, it’s essential to outline what to do when an asthma attack occurs. If you need to develop your own asthma action plan, take the following steps:
- Follow Medication Guidelines Closely – Asthma patients are often given two forms of medication. The first is a preventative, long-term medication. The second is a quick-relief medication, easily identified by most individuals as an asthma inhaler. These medications prevent an attack, reduce their severity when they occur, and quickly stop them when they do.
- Avoid Triggers – Trigger avoidance is simply knowing what triggers the asthma attack and trying to remove it from your environment or avoid places it’s present. One common trigger for asthma attacks is a sensitivity to cockroaches. However, allergies often elevate the risk of an attack, so watch for high pollen days.
- Keep A Journal – Tracking asthma attacks helps to ensure that you identify when they occur, the most frequent triggers, and unusual shifts in normal patterns.
If you want to learn more about establishing an asthma action plan, reach out to your pediatrician. They’ll provide guidance and information to ensure your family is prepared when attacks occur. Schedule a consultation appointment with your pediatrician today!
