My child has been diagnosed with asthma. What can I do?
- Talk to your child’s health care provider
- Learn about asthma
- Speak with your school nurse. Provide information to your nurse regarding asthma plans/ medication needs for school use (see attached plans/ medication forms)
“Asthma attack” symptoms may include increased and thickened mucus, tightness in the chest, difficulty sleeping, increased and worsened coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and rapid breathing. Each person’s symptoms may be different.
This information about asthma triggers may help reduce or prevent symptoms of an asthma attack.
- What are asthma triggers? They are allergic substances, environmental irritants, certain medication, gastric reflux, or infections that can lead to asthma symptoms or asthma attack.
- Why identify asthma triggers? When you identify and avoid, when possible, your asthma triggers may decrease asthma symptoms and prevent or lessen the severity of asthma attacks. When triggers are unavoidable, for example when exercising, your doctor may advise that you pre-treat yourself with your rescue medications to avoid asthma symptoms or asthma attack.
- What happens when you come in contact with a trigger? When exposed to a trigger, your airways produce thick mucus and become more inflamed and swollen. Your airway openings become smaller and muscles tighten, making it harder for you to breathe.
- What are common asthma triggers? Common asthma triggers include:
- allergens, such as:
dust and dust mites, pet dander, mold and mildew, pollen, cockroaches
- irritants:
tobacco smoke, air pollution, perfumes, body deodorant, cold air, high humidity, changes in weather, air conditioning, strong chemical smells (paint, cleaning fluids, etc.)
- other:
upper respiratory infections, such as colds, flu and sinus infections, certain foods (like shellfish, peanuts), gastroesophageal reflux disease, stress, strong emotions (such as fear, crying and laughing) sports, exercise, and medications.
- How do I identify my child’s asthma triggers?
· Notice what triggers asthma symptoms for your child, and keep a list to share with your family and health care provider.
· Monitor your peak flow. Even when you don’t have symptoms, your airway may react to a trigger and cause your lungs to work harder. Ask your health care provider how often you should routinely measure your peak flow. Check your peak flows when you are having symptoms.
· Allergy testing may be used to identify allergies to specific substances.
- How can I reduce asthma triggers in my home?
- Eliminate indoor mold. Mold grows when moisture is present. Fix all leaky plumbing. Use bleach to destroy mold. Avoid wall to wall carpeting in bathroom and on basement or concrete floors. Use a dehumidifier to keep indoor humidity at less than 50%.
- Minimize dust mites. Cover mattresses, pillows, and box springs with zippered, dust-proof covers. Once a week wash sheets and blankets in hot water and dry in a dryer. Use pillows, quilts and cushions that are filled with man-made fibers. Remove carpeting from bedroom areas or vacuum often.
- Avoid smoking or exposure to smoke. Smoke from cigarettes, cigars and pipes are the common asthma triggers for both the smoker and other people in the home. Asthma symptoms or an asthma attack may also occur from contact with the smoker’s clothing or from the smoke that lingers in the home after the smoker has left.
- Reduce pet dander. Pet dander can trigger asthma attacks (don’t allowed them in your bedroom).
- Implement environmental controls. Avoid exposure to wood dust and strong odors such as cleaners, perfumes, paint and paint remover fumes or other similar triggers.
**Information about asthmas triggers complied from: