The Three Most Important Factors of Caring for a Child With Asthma
Wednesday, October 14th, 2009Asthma in children is often caused by a specific stimulus in the forms of common asthma irritants. These irritants cause dryness in the airways, therefore it compensates by producing excessive amount of mucus as lubrication but it only adds up to an already distressed airway. As the airway gets narrowed, oxygen supply starts to deplete resulting to shortness of breath. The wheezing sound of the cough is resulted by mucus build up in the lungs.
During an asthma attack, your child’s airway may become constricted caused by inflamation of the airway and lungs. Your child may have various triggering factors leading to an asthma attack, such as an allergy to a particular irritant – dust, pollen, pet fur etc. On the other hand it may seem that no particular stimulas is responsible and the attack may have been triggered by something else such as an emotional upset. Care of your child at this time is particularly important.
Every time your child has an asthma attack, even if it is just a mild shortness of breath, make a note of what they were doing at the time. This will help a great deal in identifying any stimuli or irritants that are causing the child’s asthma. Once you know what you are dealing with it makes it a great deal easier to try and avoid these circumstances in future and control your child’s asthma.
Your family medical practitioner will also play an important part of your child’s asthma management program. Find a physician that you trust and that your child is happy with. Communicate with them regularly about your child’s asthma and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
Establishing a good relationship with your child’s physician will allow a well supervised asthma management for your child. Be sure that your child’s doctor has sufficiently provided you with all the needed information regarding proper home management of your child’s asthma. Don’t hesitate to ask questions if you are in doubt of certain things. Moreover, create an asthma management plan under the supervision of a physician. This asthma management plan should strictly be imposed and followed in order to yield desirable outcomes.
Three things are important when caring for a child with asthma – you should try to understand what triggers an attack in your child, proper consultation with a health care professional, but most importantly the loving support given by a caring family.
Being prepared for an asthma attack and being knowing exactly what to do to help your child will go a long way towards lessening the anxiety felt by the child with asthma. Discuss a plan for home management with your child’s doctor and don’t forget to reassure your child constantly.
Do not allow your concern for your child’s welfare to affect your relationship with your child. What she needs most is your reassurance that you can help her manage her asthma and your love is as important to her wellbeing as any medication.