Asthma and Airway Centre

Managing Asthma

The Role of Parents

Childhood asthma can be difficult and stressful for both parents and child. Parents should learn all the facts about asthma and its treatment. This will be helpful in assessing and coping with the disease. Although asthma episodes can be frightening, the goal is to try and prevent them, and know what to do to control an attack.

• Understanding that asthma is an inflammatory condition of the airways,
• avoidance of triggers,
• the role of preventive anti-inflammatory medications, and
• early identification of worsening asthma will result in confidence and well being for parents and children alike.

Early childhood asthma often presents with frequent "colds," cough and restlessness. Unfortunately, asthma can be difficult to diagnose and treat in young children. You can help your doctor by reporting anything you suspect is triggering your child's symptoms, which will assist him/her in making the correct diagnosis and prescribing proper treatment.

Your responsibility will then be to assess and administer the prescribed treatment, until your child is old enough to do this himself or herself. Educate your child about asthma. If you have a good knowledge of asthma, the following points will help in controlling the disease.

• Understand asthma and what it is;
• Identify asthma triggers and practice preventive measures;
• Understand why different medications are prescribed, their actions, when to use them and how to administer them;
• Ask your doctor or nurse to show you how to use the prescribed inhalers effectively and supervise your child when old enough to do so;
• Do not withhold prescribed medications for your child; if you have any doubts or concerns, consult your doctor and ask questions;
• Do not put pets before your child's health;
• Maintain a smoke-free environment;
• Teach your child to report asthma symptoms promptly and to participate in his/her treatment as he/she gets older;
• Keep your child's teachers informed and educate them if necessary with a student action card;
• Discuss an action plan with your doctor so you will know what to do in an emergency or when to adjust treatment.

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