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Ten Tips for Keeping Your Child with Asthma Well
(Submitted to the AIR Clinic by Project HEALTH Swim Program Parents)
- Have regular, preventative check-ups with your pediatrician, even when your child is well.
- Keep a stock of medicine on hand, and have medicine available (especially quick relief medicine) at every place your child spends time -- home, grandparents' house, day care, school, after school program. Never run out of medicine. Call your doctor's office for refills when you need them.
- Allow your child as much independence in managing asthma as his/her maturity permits. That applies to taking medications, checking peak flows, selecting activities, avoiding triggers.
- Continue to supervise your child in every aspect of asthma care -- make sure medicines are taken as scheduled and correctly.
- Encourage your child to stay active, to play hard and take part in sports. Don't restrict your child needlessly. If asthma symptoms come with exercise, tell the doctor.
- Be honest with the doctor -- ask questions, express your worries and complaints. Tell the doctor when the asthma treatment plan is not working, inconvenient or unacceptable to you.
- Reduce allergens and irritants at home.
- When asthma symptoms start, stay calm and follow your written treatment plan. If you don't have written directions for treating asthma at home, ask your doctor for a written treatment plan.
- Know how to reach the doctor for advice when asthma symptoms don't clear up right away.
- Try to keep your child from getting colds:
- Get a flu shot every fall
- Wash hands often in winter flu season
- Try to stay away from other people with colds
- When cold symptoms start, use your favorite home remedy and tell your doctor about it
For more information:
Pediatric Specialty Group
Asthma and Allergy
850 Harrison Avenue
Boston, MA 02118
(617) 414-4527
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