by D. P. Noe

Created on: December 21, 2008

If you are a parent of a child diagnosed with asthma,it can be a very stressful period for the parents who worry their child may never lead a normal life. Parents will worry if they will be able to manage their child the next time an asthma attack ocurs. The best piece of advice for a parent is to become informed as possible about asthma, and how you can control it.

When a child has asthma, they have sensitive airways. When the child is exposed to what are called triggers like colds and flu or cigarette smoke, or animal hair, the airways become narrow, and it makes it difficult to breath. Wheezing is the symptom that is the most recognized symptom of asthma. There can also be a cough that is worse at night of after exercise. If a parent has a child that coughs at night, the child needs to be seen by a doctor.

Asthma can be well controlled with medication and by avoiding those triggers that cause an asthma attack to occur. Medication may include preventative medication that is given daily to help make airways less sensitive. There are medications that can be used to relieve symptoms when they occur. The physician will provide a written action plan on how to manage asthma at home. The plan will include:

* Names of medication that are needed to control asthma.

* How to recognize signs of worsening asthma.

* What to do in the event of an asthma attack

* how to manage asthma that is exercise induced

A parent should be prepared to ask questions when they take the child to the physician. It helps to come with a list of questions so you remember everything you need to have a full understanding of how to manage asthma and your child.

The school systems are usually well prepared to handle children with asthma. But do not assume that to be the case, the parent needs to make a visit to the school. Questions should be asked concerning if there is staff who have been trained to take care of children with asthma. The school should have a record of all the students who have asthma. Each child's record should also include details about the medications they need. The school should have asthma first aid kit on the premises in case of an emergency.

If you are a parent that smokes, you should not smoke around children or babies. Smoking can trigger an asthma attack but exposure can also increase a child's risk of developing asthma. Parents should keep their children safe and be very knowledgeable about asthma. Failing to become knowledgeable about this disease and you own child could have serious consequences. Asthma is not a disease that can be ignored, it needs to be managed under the close supervision of the physician.

Learn more about this author, D. P. Noe.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.