Managing Childhood Asthma: Tips for Parents, Caregivers & Patients

Asthma can be tough, especially when it’s your child or someone you care about struggling to breathe. But even though there’s no cure, asthma doesn’t have to stop you or your loved one from living a normal, happy life. With the right tips and support, you can manage asthma and breathe easier. In this guide, we’ll share practical tips and advice to help you handle asthma day by day.

Understanding Asthma

Asthma is a lung disease. It’s chronic, which means it doesn’t go away and needs ongoing medical management. Asthma is one of the most common non-communicable diseases and a leading chronic disease in children. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, over 27 million (1 in 12) US adults ages 18 and older had asthma in 2023. During the same period, about 4.5 million children under 18 had asthma.

Asthma can be a minor nuisance for some. But for others, it can be a major problem that affects daily activities and leads to a life-threatening asthma attack. That’s why it’s critical to seek medical help when you have or suspect that you have asthma. Early treatment may also prevent long-term lung damage. Some common symptoms to watch out for include:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness or pain
• Wheezing when exhaling
• Wheezing or coughing attacks that are worsened by viral infections like flu or cold
• Trouble sleeping

Researchers still don’t know why some people have asthma while others don’t. But environmental factors, genetics, respiratory infections, and allergies are believed to increase the risk. Environmental factors are particularly harmful to infants and young children whose immune systems are still developing.

How to Manage Childhood Asthma

Managing childhood asthma involves taking proactive steps to reduce the risk of asthma attacks and improve your child's quality of life. Some children outgrow asthma as they get older, but it’s crucial to control symptoms and minimize exposure to triggers in the meantime. Let’s explore ways to manage childhood trauma:

Recognize Triggers

Triggers are things that irritate your airways and set off your asthma symptoms. People have different triggers, so you want to know which ones affect you or your loved one. Some common triggers include cigarette smoke, dust mites, mold, pollen, pet dander, physical activity, weather, chemicals, metal salts, certain medicines, high emotions, etc.

Sometimes, it can be obvious what triggers your asthma. If you get symptoms after coming in contact with smoke from open fires or cigarettes, then smoke is probably one of your triggers. The same applies to contact with pets like dogs and cats. However, triggers like pollen or air pollution may be hard to determine because allergens aren’t visible.

You should, therefore, keep a diary of when you experience symptoms, your location, the weather conditions and the things you were exposed to, including stress.

Avoid Triggers

Once you understand your triggers, the next step is to focus your efforts in the right area. Avoiding them at all times might not be possible, but you can minimize exposure so your symptoms are easier to manage. Here are some quick tips on how to go about it:

• Limit exposure to dust mites: Use dust-mite-proof covers on mattresses and pillows, wash bedding in hot water weekly, and keep stuffed animals off the bed.
• Reduce pet dander: If your child is allergic to pets, limit their contact with animals. Keep pets out of your child's bedroom and clean regularly to reduce dander.
• Control hay fever: During allergy season, keep windows closed and use air conditioning to filter the air, which will help reduce pollen exposure.
• Avoid smoke and vape chemicals: Keep your child away from secondhand smoke and vaping areas, as these are major irritants for children with asthma.
• Watch out for strong odors: Avoid using strong cleaning products or cooking spices that might trigger symptoms. Opt for fragrance-free or hypoallergenic options instead.

Maintain a Medication Routine

Asthma is a chronic illness that doesn’t go away and requires ongoing management. Even if your child feels fine, their lungs might still be inflamed. Asthma medication—especially inhaled corticosteroids and other controller medicines—reduces inflammation and keeps airways open. Skipping doses or only using medication when symptoms appear can lead to more frequent and severe asthma attacks.

How to Do It

• Set a schedule: Find a routine that fits into your daily life. Whether it’s right after brushing teeth in the morning or before bedtime, consistency helps ensure your child takes their medication regularly.
• Use reminders: Alarms on your phone or sticky notes on the bathroom mirror can serve as helpful reminders to keep up with the medication schedule.
• Involve your child: As your child grows, help them understand the importance of their medication. Encourage them to take responsibility for their routine to make them more consistent and aware of their health needs.
• Keep medications accessible: Store medications in an easy-to-reach spot that’s also safe from little hands. If your child uses an inhaler, ensure it’s always nearby, especially during sports or outings.
• Review the plan regularly: Check in with your child’s healthcare provider to ensure the current medication routine works. Adjustments may be needed as your child grows or if their symptoms change.

Create an Asthma Action Plan

You’ll need an action plan to manage your child’s asthma effectively. A good asthma action plan outlines what to do daily to keep asthma under control and the steps to take when symptoms worsen. This way, you can recognize early warning signs, know what to do and communicate with everyone involved in your child’s care.

How to Create an Asthma Action Plan

1. Work with your healthcare provider: Collaborate with your child’s doctor to develop a plan tailored to their needs. The doctor will help set up different zones based on how well your child’s asthma is controlled.
2. Define the zones:

• Green zone (good control): This is when your child’s asthma is well-managed. Include information about their daily medications and what to do to maintain control.
• Yellow zone (caution): This indicates that asthma symptoms are worsening. List the steps to take, such as adjusting medications or using a rescue inhaler, and when to contact a healthcare provider.
• Red zone (emergency): This signals a serious asthma episode. Provide instructions for immediate action, including using a rescue inhaler or nebulizer and when to call emergency services or go to the emergency room.

3.    Include clear instructions: Detail how and when to use medications, including dosages and timing. Also, provide guidance on recognizing worsening symptoms and how to respond.

1. Update the plan regularly: As your child grows or their asthma changes, revisit the plan with their healthcare provider. Make updates to ensure it continues to meet their needs.
2. Share the plan: Give copies of the Asthma Action Plan to everyone involved in your child’s care, including school staff, family members, and caregivers. Ensure they understand what to do and where the plan is kept.
3. Practice with your child: Review the plan with your child and practice the steps, especially what to do if they enter the yellow or red zones. This helps them feel more confident and in control of their condition.

Get Regular Check-Ups

Regular check-ups with your child’s healthcare provider are essential to controlling asthma. During these visits, your provider will perform a physical exam to assess your child’s lung function. They will review and adjust medication as necessary and advice on the latest advancements, including clinical trials. Regular appointments are a good time to ask questions and ensure your child’s asthma management plan is still effective.Science 37 is currently conducting a clinical trial for asthma. This trial is designed to explore new treatment options and improve the management of asthma symptoms. By participating, you can help advance medical research and potentially benefit from innovative therapies that could enhance your quality of life. If you're living with asthma and are interested in contributing to scientific progress, this clinical trial could be a valuable opportunity to explore new possibilities for managing your condition.