Asthma in Children...

...Scary But Manageable

Finding out that your child has this very serious and chronic condition may make you want to head for the woods and hide, but it's not as bad as it may seem at first. Take it from me, a parent of a little boy who has had asthma since babyhood. It gets easier.

Don't get me wrong, the first weeks and months are definitely the worst...

...that's when the asthma isn't really under control yet and you're ready with the inhaler in hand at every random cough. If you're like me, you may even have a 'regular parking spot' at the pediatrician's office since you're there so often.

But it really does get better. Once you've figured out what triggers your child's asthma, 'asthma-proofed' your home, and learned how to manage this chronic illness with both preventive and maintenance meds, you will be a pro at living with asthma in children.

Here are some quick facts about asthma in children from the American Lung Association:

• Asthma is the most common chronic illness in American children.
• Almost 7 million children under 18 had asthma in 2006, and 1.2 million of them were under age 5.
• Asthma rates decrease with age (as bodies grow and airways get bigger, making it easier to deal with the inflammation)
• Kids with asthma miss more school than kids who don't have it.
• Asthma in children can't be cured but it can be controlled.

Common Causes

• Allergens like pollen, pet dander, cockroaches or dust
• Colds or viruses (respiratory infections)
• Second-hand smoke or pollutants
• Cold air
• Exercise

Keep in mind that your child's asthma may be triggered by only one or two of these causes. Our son's asthma is frequently brought on when he is congested and struggling with a virus. Exercise, though, does not affect him.

So we fight viruses in our home by teaching good hygiene and nutrition . Keeping the body as healthy as possible helps the immune system fight off those unwanted colds and infections.

Five Quick Tips

• Asthma gets worse at night, so listen for the night-time cough.
• Get a flu vaccine.
• Limit time outside on days when ozone levels are high (it peaks in the afternoon).
• Follow the asthma plan you and your child's doctor have agreed on, even when your child is not showing symptoms.
• Reduce the pollutants in your home and keep your child away from asthma triggers.

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