If your child suffers from asthma, do not feel alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 6.8 million children in the U.S. have this disease. Whether your child suffers from asthma attacks while playing sports or during sleep, it is very difficult to watch him go through that. The good news is that asthma can be controlled. Here are five effective ways to manage your child's asthma:
Keep the Humidity Low at Home
Humidity can worsen asthma symptoms, so it is best to keep the humidity as low as possible in your house. If you live in a humid climate, you can always buy a dehumidifier. This device will keep the air drier, improving your child's asthma.
Get Rid of Dust
If your child has asthma, it is even more important to keep dust to a minimum in your home, as it can aggravate your child's asthma symptoms. A good way to keep dust under control is to put dust-proof covers over the mattress and pillows in your child's room. If your child's room has carpeting, you may want to consider removing it and installing flooring instead.
Help Your Child Maintain a Healthy Weight
If your child is carrying around extra pounds, it can make his or her asthma worse. To help your kid lose weight, keep junk food out of the house and fill the refrigerator with fruits, vegetables, chicken and whole grains. Also, make sure your child gets at least 30 minutes of exercise every day.
Watch Out for Colds
If your kid catches a cold, you have to monitor his asthma even closer. According to the Mayo Clinic, a cold can lead to chest tightness and wheezing in someone who has asthma. It is a wise idea to monitor your child's lungs with a peak flow meter. If the peak flow rate is lower than usual, call your child's doctor.
Take Precautions When Your Child Exercises
Although exercise is very beneficial, it can sometimes trigger asthma symptoms. If your child is about to play a sport or do another exercise, make sure he or she uses an inhaler beforehand. Your child should also avoid exercising outside when it is cold, as cold temperatures can aggravate asthma symptoms.
Dealing with your child's asthma is not always easy, but it can be managed. If you follow these helpful tips, you can reduce the amount of asthma attacks your child has. For more information, talk to a doctor, such as Partners in Pediatrics.
Share6 October 2015