As a parent, you want the absolute best for your child. You wish for their happiness and health in all that they do. So, when your child is diagnosed with a medical issue, such as asthma, it can come as quite a shock. Of course, it will be important for you to learn all you can about asthma, but it’s also important to support your child and be aware of what is likely running through their mind.
Here are a variety of tips you can use that will help your child to cope, manage, and understand their asthma diagnosis, which will help to dispel any stress or anxiety they may be feeling.
Start with the Diagnosis
The first step in helping your child to cope and manage their condition is to get a proper medical diagnosis. What this means is that you should visit a certified respiratory therapist in your area. For example, if you happen to live in the Las Vegas area, pick a respiratory therapist Las Vegas who has been trained and certified at a well-respected school in your state. Respiratory therapists are able to diagnose, educate, and help the patient to manage asthma.
Speak to Your Child About the Importance of Their Medication
After you receive your official diagnosis and treatment/management plan, it’s important to discuss the plan with your child. They need to understand what the medication does and why it’s important. They may need to take daily medication, or it may be quick-relief as-needed solutions. You want to answer any questions they may have about their medication and ensure they don’t feel stressed or uncomfortable about taking it.
If your child is using an inhaler, it may also be necessary to use an aerochamber with it. This is a mask attached to a funnel that ensures the medication gets into their lungs rather than just collect in their mouth. For young children, this is usually the best technique. This is something that your doctor can prescribe for them.
What to Do When an Attack Occurs
It’s also very important to have an asthma action plan should an attack occur. Kids need to know what signs to look for, and the fact they need to alert an adult immediately. There should be written step-by-step instructions that are followed during an attack.
Identify Your Child’s Triggers
Asthma sufferers have what are called triggers, and these triggers can bring on an asthma attack. Knowing what the triggers are can help to avoid or at least limit the number of attacks they have. The most common triggers are mold, pollen, viral infections, physical activity, and weather changes.
Encourage them to Talk About How They Feel
It’s hard to know what may be going on in your child’s head and how they feel about their asthma diagnosis. Encourage them to talk about their feelings, fears, and questions so that you can put them and yourself at ease.
While an asthma diagnosis certainly changes things, it doesn’t have to be scary thanks to these tips.