Believe it or not, spring is just around the corner here in Northern Colorado and although we still have snow on the ground, temperatures are beginning to rise and warmer days are on their way! If your child has asthma, however, this can be a tough time as pollen counts rise which can lead to more intense asthma symptoms. Keep reading for our tips for helping to manage your child’s asthma this spring.
Have a plan and stick to it
One of the hardest parts of having a child with asthma, is you’re never 100% sure when a flare-up might happen. Reduce this fear by creating an “Asthma Action Plan”, which outlines what exact steps need to be done if an asthma attack occurs. Work with your doctor to understand what steps need to be included and make sure everyone is on the same page. Share this plan with any adult in your child’s life who might need to know these steps. This can include teachers, babysitters, coaches, etc. Ensure they understand what steps need to be taken in case you aren’t there.
Identify & Avoid Triggers
Understanding what triggers your child’s asthma, and knowing how to avoid these triggers, can be a large part of avoiding asthma flare-ups. Common triggers can include pollen and mold, weather changes, viral infections, irritants such as tobacco smoke or some cleaning products, exercise, etc. Keep an asthma diary that tracks activities and flare-ups and get a much better understanding of what is causing attacks, so you can know to avoid them in the future.
Take all medications as prescribed
If your child has asthma, you’ve likely worked with your doctor to understand which medicines are the best fit for your child. Understand the difference between daily medications which are going to be long-term control treatment and quick-relief medications that act fast to treat the flare-up. Take these medications on a regular schedule and ensure that if your child does need an inhaler, they carry it with them at all times, or a trusted adult carries one with them at all times.
Schedule a Healthy Lungs Appointment With The Youth Clinic
The Youth Clinic in Northern Colorado offers customized asthma care and education for patients. Asthma education topics include asthma management goals, daily management of asthma, common asthma triggers, and more.
As a parent or patient, what can I expect at an asthma education appointment?
- Develop an understanding of the difference between a healthy airway and an asthmatic airway and what occurs when their child is having an asthma attack
- A general understanding of how their child’s asthma medication works and how each medication works to control specific symptoms
- Know the difference between a quick-relief medication and a long-term controller medication and when their child should be using their medication
- Will be able to demonstrate how to accurately use and care for their asthma inhalers and equipment
- Education on their child’s Asthma Action Plan
- Will be able to identify their environmental triggers and learn how to avoid them
- Learn how to handle emergent asthma situations
Families and patients can sign up for Healthy Lungs and education sessions with one of The Youth Clinic’s asthma educators or learn more about Healthy Lungs here.