Childhood asthma is more common than you may think. According to the Center of Disease Control, more than 6 million cases have been reported in the US.
One of our goals at Hospitality Health ER is to equip parents with proactive measures that protect their children’s well-being. So, if you think your child may have asthma but you aren’t quite sure, here’s some information to help you gauge when it’s time to see a doctor.
Signs of Childhood Asthma
When people mention the word “asthma” the first thing that comes to mind is someone wheezing and struggling for air. But there are many more symptoms that may indicate your child has asthma:
- Chronic cough that doesn’t respond to cough suppressants
- Rapid breathing
- Sighing
- Chest tightness, especially in the morning
- Exercise intolerance
- Difficulty sleeping
- Anxiety
Asthmatic children will typically appear to have less stamina than other children. If your child avoids physical activities to prevent coughing or wheezing — or complains that their chest hurts and they can’t catch their breath — it’s time to take them to the doctor.
Childhood Asthma Management Tips
By being highly knowledgeable about what triggers your child’s asthma and how to administer medications, you can manage the number of episodes your child has and possibly prevent an emergency situation. Asthma conditions differ from child to child, so it’s best to work with your pediatrician or allergist to come up with the best asthma management plan to protect your child’s wellness and safety.
Be sure to:
- Outline what medications they should take, how often, how much, and how to administer;
- Ensure you or your child has access to their asthma medication (nebulizer or oral corticosteroids) at all times;
- Be aware of the closest emergency room wherever you go, even when you’re traveling;
- Train your child about avoiding things that trigger their asthma;
- Train your child about what to do when they are having an asthma attack;
- Alert your child’s school, bus driver, coaches, and others of what to do in the event your child has an asthma attack; and
- Empower your child to manage their asthma better.
Because asthma can lead to serious complications, Hospitality Health ER likes to tell parents, “When in doubt, get checked out.” When it comes to health, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
