Pediatric Asthma: Tips for Management and Prevention

Is your child living with asthma? Dr. Marcie Macolino and the team at Mt. Airy Pediatrics in Mount Airy, Philadelphia, PA, are dedicated to helping them live a healthy, happy life despite their condition.

Steps for Managing and Preventing Asthma in Children

 Asthma can be a very dangerous respiratory condition. In fact, it can be fatal. However, parents and children have the power to prevent attacks that interfere with breathing. Below, Dr. Macolino and the team at Mt. Airy Pediatrics in Mount Airy, Philadelphia, PA, share some of the most important steps to follow. 

Know Their Triggers 

 This condition is one in which the lungs become inflamed due to exposure to triggers specific to the child. Determining your child’s triggers is one of the most vital steps. While they can vary, some common triggers to pay attention to include: 

• Pests 
• Pet dander 
• Strong odors 
• Chemicals in cleaning products 
• Smoke, whether from a fire or cigarettes 
• Vape 
• Changes in the weather 
• Colds and allergies 
• Mold 
• Dust 
• Certain foods, such as fish or peanuts 
• Certain medications 
• Health issues, such as acid reflux 
• Pollen 
• Extreme temperatures 

Make a Plan to Avoid Those Triggers 

 It might take some time to identify all triggers, but doing so is a crucial step. Once you have determined what these triggers are, you can make a plan to avoid them or limit your child’s exposure. 

For example, if extreme temperatures are a trigger, you can keep your child in the house during the hottest parts of the day. Or if pet dander is a trigger, you can either put your pet outdoors or increase your cleaning routine. If you’re unsure of the steps to take, your pediatrician can help.

Be Sure Your Child Is Active Everyday 

Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of asthma attacks, so it’s important to keep your child active each day. However, work with your pediatrician on this in case some activities should be avoided or your child needs medication. 

Make Sure Everyone Is Prepared 

From teachers to grandparents and babysitters, anyone who cares for your child should be aware of their condition. They should also be aware of any known triggers so that they can be avoided or minimized even when you’re not around. 

Have an emergency plan in place and always keep medication and any instructions on hand. Your child, if they are old enough, should be aware of what to do if an attack takes place. 

Visit Dr. Macolino and the team at Mt. Airy Pediatrics in Mount Airy in Philadelphia, PA, for more help with your child’s asthma. Call (215) 247-2996 to schedule an appointment today.