Few things are as frightening as witnessing your child’s first asthma attack. You watch your little one struggle to take a breath, and their lungs wheeze and whistle when they try to breathe normally. They may also:
When your doctor diagnoses your kid with “childhood asthma,” though, you have a spark of hope. Does that mean their asthma will be limited to their childhood? Are they going to outgrow this chronic lung disease as they outgrow their clothes and sneakers?
Catherine Fuller, MD, is an expert at diagnosing and treating asthma in kids and adults. At our office in West Los Angeles, California, she helps you and your child with medications and lifestyle changes that keep asthma symptoms at bay.
Will your child outgrow asthma? No, but you can take steps to help their disease fade with age.
The best thing you can do for your child is to provide an environment that offers them fresh, allergen-free air. Most asthma patients also have allergies to common substances, such as pet dander and pollen. If you don’t already know what substances your child is allergic to, allergy testing gives you the answers you need to avoid common triggers.
At home, use air purifiers, air conditioners, and frequent vacuuming to remove common indoor irritants, such as:
Limit your child’s outdoor exposure when pollen levels are high. Carry an EpiPen if they’re allergic to stinging insects, and ensure they always pack their inhaler so they can either prevent an attack or stop one when they feel it coming on.
The healthier your child is, and the healthier their habits, the less likely they are to suffer severe asthma attacks. For instance, being overweight is associated with worse asthma symptoms, as well as being associated with other medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes.
Focus their diet on healthy, whole foods, such as vegetables and low-glycemic fruits. Minimize or cut out processed foods, junk food, and fast food. Encourage them to drink water or other healthy beverages instead of fruit juices, sodas, or sports drinks.
If they have heartburn, work with their pediatrician to help resolve or control it. They may need to limit acidic foods in their diet. They could also benefit from over-the-counter antacids or other medications to control acid reflux.
Make sure they stay active through play, sports, and other forms of exercise. Being active helps them maintain a healthy weight and builds a strong heart, lungs, bones, and muscles.
Pay attention, though, if they tend to overexert themselves, particularly if they play sports. There’s a type of asthma attack called exercise-induced asthma. If your child suffers asthma attacks during exercise, they may need to avoid becoming overheated by drinking plenty of water and using cooling towels.
When you come in for an asthma consultation, you leave with more than a diagnosis. Dr. Fuller designs a plan for you and your child to follow to help them minimize asthma symptoms and attacks. Your plan may include lifestyle changes and quick-relief and long-term medications.
In addition, you and Dr. Fuller teach your child to use a peak flow meter to determine the different stages of their Asthma Action Plan. Each stage requires different actions.
Having no symptoms means your kid can take part in all activities they enjoy.
Mild symptoms mean slow down and be cautious. Have your child use their rescue medication to reduce symptoms. They may also need their long-term medication to keep them stable.
When your kid has trouble breathing and rescue medication doesn’t help, get them to the emergency room right away.
Your child’s action plan should also include the names and dosages of their medications. Be sure caregivers, teachers, and coaches have a copy of the plan.
Even though asthma is a chronic, lifelong disease, your child can start now to learn how to reduce flare-ups and symptoms to protect their lungs. With care, their attacks may lessen in severity as they age.
Help your child minimize asthma attacks and the condition’s impact on their life by seeking care from our helpful team at Catherine Fuller, MD, today.
