Caring for Your Child If Asthma Attacks

Approximately 9 million children in the United States are diagnosed with asthma. Fortunately, you can take several steps to ease symptoms this winter if your child is diagnosed.

Asthma is a chronic illness in which children experience recurring symptoms of coughing, trouble breathing, wheezing, tightness in the chest and loss of breath with exercise.

“Many things can trigger asthma, such as animal dander, air pollution, perfumes, cigarette smoke, exercise or respiratory infections,” said Monica Federico, MD, Associate Director of the Asthma Management Program at The Children’s Hospital. “Fall and winter months tend to bring about more cases than summer and spring because cold air can be a trigger for some children and because viral illnesses are more common during the winter months, when children are together in schools or daycare.”

How Can Parents Help?

Children’s environments can play a major part in their asthma, so taking steps around your home — such as never exposing your child to secondhand smoke — can help your child remain symptom-free.

“If your child’s asthma symptoms tend to flare up in the spring, summer or fall, consider keeping windows closed in your home and changing your vent filters regularly to maintain clean air,” Dr. Federico said. “During the winter, making sure children practice good hygiene and wash their hands regularly may help them avoid colds, which can heighten
asthma symptoms.”

To learn more about The Children’s Hospital Asthma Management Program, visit www.thechildrenshospital.org/conditions/lung/index.aspx