Tips for Children With Asthma

Asthma is a chronic condition that can cause coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Although it's difficult to control, Clearwater Pediatric Care in Clearwater and Westchase, FL, can help your child breathe more freely by helping you manage the condition.

Create a Plan and Stick To It

Children with this condition need an organized schedule for taking their medicines. This helps ensure they take them at the appropriate times to control symptoms, making taking medication more enjoyable for your child.

Ask our doctors for a written plan. This will include instructions on when and how to take medications, prevent triggers from happening, and how to recognize and to manage flare-ups. It can also help you and your child remember the steps needed between doctor visits.

Take Medications as Directed

Make sure your child takes their medications as directed by your doctor and keep all appointments. As your child's needs and symptoms evolve over time, you may need to adjust the plan accordingly. Make sure your doctor is informed of changes in your child's breathing patterns, such as difficulty sleeping. They may need a different medication or an extra dose to promote restful sleep.

Identify and Avoid Triggers

Air quality, weather changes, pollen, pet dander, dust mites, and other environmental elements can trigger attacks in some children. Fortunately, Clearwater Pediatric Care will help you identify which factors most impact your child and ensure there aren't significant issues at home that could trigger an attack.

Maintaining your child's bedroom and toys clean will reduce their exposure to allergens. Vacuum, dust, and wipe down their toys weekly; additionally, wash their sheets and blankets in hot water regularly. These measures are essential in controlling asthma.

Maintain a Healthy Diet

Encourage your child to eat nutritious foods high in vitamins and minerals, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Doing so can reduce inflammation in their lungs and enhance lung function. Limit sugary drinks and junk food to prevent dehydration, which can exacerbate symptoms for those living with this condition. Instead, encourage kids to drink 5-10 glasses of water daily, depending on their age group.

Empower Your Child

Enlist your child's help in managing their health to build confidence and give them a sense of control. Especially for young children who require extra guidance, it's essential to let them participate in taking medicine. Teach them how to correctly use an inhaler and encourage them to practice the technique. A successful inhaler technique can reduce symptoms and side effects like a sore mouth.

Call Clearwater Pediatric Care to get help taking control of your child's asthma symptoms in Westchase, FL, at (813) 818-1543 or Clearwater, FL, at (727) 461-1543.