Your Child's Asthma: 6 Preventative Tips

Your child's Asthma is characterized by his or her constant wheezing, which is due to spasm of the muscles in the small air passages in the lungs (bronchospasm). This spasm makes it difficult for the child to get the air out of his lungs once he has taken it in. The lungs become overinflated and the chest expands, sounding like a drum when you tap it. The wheezing is the sound you hear when the air is being pushed out.

The bronchospasm may be brought on by exposure to allergens, by infections, exercise, or inhalation of cold air. Asthma can range from mild to severe. The child with asthma should be under the care of a physician, who will probably prescribe medication to dilate the airways. The medication is usually theophyliine, which is taken orally. There are also hand-held inhalers, which must be used carefully. They have not been recommended for children under six years of age, but a child of three or older can be taught to use the inhaler properly. They are especially good when the bronchospasm comes on suddenly, such as during sleep or exercise.

Below are 6 preventative tips for your child's asthma:

1. Avoid pollen, if it's the culprit, and air condition your child's room. If possible, keep your child indoors when the pollen count is high or when it is windy. But don't let this keep him from being with the other kids. Do not cut the grass when your child is around during pollen season. Shampoo and shower your child every night during the pollen season. If you have an outside pet, pollen will be on its hair too.

2. Be aware of other things that might trigger an attack - dust from turning on the furnace, paints, perfumes, smoke from a log fire, aerosol sprays, fertilizers, tobacco smoke, animal danders, feather pillows, flowers, or Christmas trees.

3. Give your child his medication on a regular basis and keep appointments for checkups even though he is not having problems. The level of medication in the blood makes a difference in preventing attacks. So as your child grows he may need to increase his medication in order to maintain the proper level.

4. Teach your child relaxation methods and breathing exercises that can be used when bronchospasm begins. They may circumvent or shorten an attack. Ask your doctor about these.

5. Encourage exercise even if it means that your child must use an inhaler or take medication beforehand. Exercise is good for asthmatics, including exercise that requires sustained activity, such as swimming or long-distance running. This type of exercise won't hurt him and may be helpful. You may have to make some special adaptations.

6. Remember that your main goal is to promote a sense of wellness in your child. Do not let the asthma become an invaliding condition. If your child is wheezing but still feels like playing, allow him to do so after giving him the necessary medications.