10 Ways to Help Your Child Manage Asthma

6. Practice Breathing Techniques To Overcome Panic

If there’s one thing that makes an asthma attack even worse, it’s the stress and panic of the child at the centre. It’s scary not being able to breath properly, and the sound of wheezing accompanied by the pain of bronchial spasms can send even the most controlled child into a panic. So, one thing that parents can do with their asthmatic children to help them cope is to practice breathing techniques. Forcing them to control their breathing with a slow and steady in-through-the-nose and out-through-the-mouth pattern can conquer stress and help them in overcoming the fear and panic associated with an attack.

7. Keep Extras Of Everything

Children with asthma often have several kinds of medication to manage their condition. They may need to carry inhalers, spacers, preventers and relievers. Although children with asthma are usually pretty well educated as to the importance of these items, they’re still children and things will go missing. Reduce the stress by always having doubles and even triples on hand of common items that are easy to lose. That way you won’t have to worry about there not being anything left in the house, car or school bag when they need it.

8. Encourage Self-Treatment As Much As Possible

The amount of responsibility we give to children has lessened in recent decades. Now children are much more taken care of by adults, and rarely left to their own devices for very long. However, when it comes to asthma it pays for parents to encourage their children to know their own treatment and be able to administer it as much as possible. Obviously small children will need assistance, but at the end of the day if a child can help themselves when they’re having an attack, they’ll be less likely to be at high risk from the condition.

9. Touch Base Regularly With Your Doctor

Asthma is not always for life, which is why it’s important to touch base with your doctor about your child’s condition on a regular basis. Many children who develop asthma grow out of it by the time they reach their teens, and your doctor will be able to help you to manage the condition throughout childhood development. As much as possible, bring your child into these discussions with your medical professional. It helps for them to ‘own’ their condition, and ask their own questions with someone who knows best.

10.Don’t Let It Be An Excuse

It’s easy for children to fall into the negative pattern of using asthma as an excuse to live a limited life. Asthma doesn’t have to be a barrier for enjoying sports or living your life to the full, so don’t let your kids make it one. Of course it can be a hassle for them to manage the condition, and they may feel like they wish their lives weren’t so complicated. But always remind them that asthma is not a label for their entire lives, it’s just one small part of it. With careful management and proper awareness, asthma shouldn’t stop your child from achieving their dreams.

There are more ways to help your child manage asthma. Several mums have discovered more ways to control and manage  their child’s asthma attacks and have came out successful controlling the condition. More is being discovered about asthma every day and another scientific leap can come through you.

How do you help your children manage their asthma?

Clare Whitfield Chief Editor

Clare Whitfield is the Editor of Stay at Home Mum and a recognised voice in practical home management for Australian families. Based in the northern suburbs of Sydney, she balances editorial leadership with life as a stay at home mum to two school age children. Her background in home economics and more than a decade of experience in recipe development, family budgeting, and household systems inform her work.

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