Tips for Managing Childhood Asthma

Childhood asthma is not different from adult asthma, but it does create particular challenges for children. Here are a few tips for managing childhood asthma:

Tips for Managing Childhood Asthma

Managing Childhood Asthma is not different from adult asthma, but it does create particular challenges for children. Although there is no cure for childhood asthma, your child’s pediatrician can help you develop a treatment plan for managing your child’s asthma to prevent flare-ups.

Our pediatricians at AGC Pediatrics encourage parents to learn all they can about childhood asthma to help their children manage this condition.

Below are just a few tips for managing childhood asthma:

Identify potential triggers.

Our non-invasive allergy and asthma testing identifies asthmatic triggers to prevent asthma attacks. If asthma triggers are present in your home, our pediatricians recommend the immediate removal of the trigger to reduce the chances of an asthma attack at home.

Learn the signs of an asthma attack.

Understanding the warning signs of an asthma attack allows you to better help him or her. Depending on the treatment prescribed by your pediatrician, parents who are aware of an oncoming attack are better able to retrieve vital medications to alleviate symptoms and open airways.

Teach your child about childhood asthma. 

Working closely with our pediatricians at AGC Pediatrics, you can help your child learn how to care for him or herself using the prescribed medications. Closely monitor your child to ensure that any prescription medications are being taken as directed.

Additionally, if our pediatricians prescribe a peak flow meter to record and assess your child’s level of asthma, ensure that this information is being properly documented.

Get involved in support groups and asthma camps. 

Locate and become involved in community support groups and asthma camps to help you and your child meet other people experiencing childhood asthma. Chronic or severe childhood asthma may leave your child feeling left out from play, school, or sports activities.

Support groups and asthma camps may help him or her meet new friends experiencing the same condition, and will show your child that he or she is not alone. 

Childhood Asthma FAQs

Asthma is the most common chronic childhood disease, affecting over seven million children in the United States, and is a leading cause of child hospitalizations and emergency visits. Many parents struggle to understand their child’s asthma, but want their little one to lead a happy and healthy life without breathing difficulties.

For help understanding this common breathing condition, read the frequently asked questions about childhood asthma from the kid experts at AGC Pediatrics below.

The common symptoms of childhood asthma are:

  • Intermittent or frequent coughing spells
  • Chronic cough
  • Wheezing or whistling upon exhale
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest tightness or pain
  • Weakness or tiredness
  • Delayed recovery after a respiratory infection

The risk factors for childhood asthma include:

  • Allergies or eczema
  • Family history of asthma
  • Low birth weight
  • Exposure to secondhand smoke before or after birth
  • Frequent respiratory infections

· GERD

Some common asthma triggers may include respiratory infections (viruses, colds, etc.), weather changes, exercise, or allergens such as smoke, pollen, pet dander, household chemicals, dust, and other environmental substances.

Most children who experience breathing difficulties at a young age will never completely grow out of it, but more than 50 percent of children will see a decrease of asthma and allergy symptoms as they grow older. For children who have asthma attacks due to allergens, allergy shots or allergy medications may help reduce the number of acute breathing attacks.

If your child has an acute asthma attack, there are several steps you can take to ensure their health and safety. First, remain calm. Staying calm and level-headed will allow you to make the best decisions for your child.

Second, have them use their inhaler according to the pediatrician’s instructions and help them calm down as much as possible. Keeping calm can help keep their airway open. If your child still cannot catch his or her breath, head to the emergency room immediately or call 911.

If your child cannot calm his or her breathing after stopping physical activity and using an inhaler, you should immediately call 911 or go to the emergency room. Other indications that your child needs emergency care include:

  • Cannot complete a sentence without catching their breath
  • Widens their nostrils to get air
  • Is using their abdominal or stomach muscles to breathe and is struggling to take a deep breath

The best way to manage your child’s asthma is to treat it preventatively. Regular checkups with your child’s pediatrician will help stay on top of breathing problems. It is also important to ensure your child maintains the doctor’s recommended medication regimen.

Many doctors will prescribe a long-acting treatment such as a corticosteroid or bronchodilator, as well as a quick-acting medication such as an albuterol inhaler. They might also recommend allergy shots or allergy medications to help lessen asthma triggers.

Other asthma management methods include knowing and avoiding your child’s asthma triggers, maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine for your child, and reducing allergens or pollutants in your child’s environment.

Allergy Treatment and Testing at AGC Pediatrics

When you schedule an appointment at AGC Pediatrics to learn about managing your child’s allergies, we will explain what causes the reactions and outline the most feasible treatment and testing options.

The 30-minute, non-invasive allergy test from Allervision involves first cleaning an area on the child’s back with an alcohol swab, then applying antigens to the skin using a small device. The temporary sensation is similar to little pokes. A total of five areas of the back are tested.

Results come back in about 15 minutes. There may be some discomfort and possible itchiness at the testing site, but no pain.

Help Your Kids Find Relief from Allergies at AGC Pediatrics

At AGC Pediatrics, we understand that managing your child’s asthma symptoms can be scary and overwhelming. That’s why we’ll answer any questions you may have about your child’s condition, and work with you to create a custom asthma management plan to help keep your child happy, healthy and breathing easier.

To set up an appointment at one of our convenient North Georgia locations, talk to one of our friendly and knowledgeable staff members at 706-625-5900.