Asthma shouldn't keep a kid from being a kid
By Tucson Medical Center
·
05/22/2024
How cautious is too cautious?
There are many myths about asthma that can lead to over-precautions that limit a child’s activities and do not contribute to stronger health. It's important to make sure that asthma shouldn’t keep a kid from being a kid.
Are allergies and exercise the most common asthma triggers?
Actually, the most common trigger of pediatric asthma is the rhinovirus, or common cold. The flu is right behind the cold as a significant asthma trigger. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that every child should receive a flu vaccine, and it is even more important for asthmatic children.
Does that mean allergies and exercise aren’t triggers?
Allergies and exercise can be serious triggers, they just aren’t the most common triggers of asthma-related difficulties. Every child who experiences asthma will have unique triggers. Some will be triggered more by allergies or exercise. Some will be triggered more by viral colds. This is where proper expert advice on management comes in.
Before taking extreme precautions, an evaluation by a pediatric pulmonologist can determine your child’s unique experiences with asthma and create a management plan that fits your child’s needs and lifestyle.
Should I take extra precautions to keep my child from getting a cold?
When it comes to colds, asthmatic children cannot realistically take different precautions than a child who does not have asthma. Parents need to work, and children need to go to school and daycare.
We should still take precautions, but reasonable and effective ones – like a flu shot, hand washing/sanitizing, a healthy diet and good sleep. If an asthmatic child catches a cold (which they will), it does not mean that an acute asthmatic episode is certain – it means that parents should be more alert for signs and symptoms.
Again, management is key. Your child should have an individualized asthma action plan developed by their pediatrician or pediatric pulmonologist for when they get the sniffles.
Asthma symptoms only involve wheezing, right?
While a whistling or wheezing sound when breathing out is a symptom to be aware of, also be on the lookout for:
Shortness of breath.
- Chest congestion or tightness.
- Frequent coughing that worsens when your child:
- Has a respiratory infection. They may have a delayed recovery or bronchitis after an infection too.
- Trouble breathing that interferes with play or exercise.
- Childhood asthma also might cause trouble sleeping due to shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing.
My child hasn’t had symptoms for a long time - so I don’t have to worry, right?
Children can go for long periods without asthma being triggered. Asthma is a serious condition and while parents don’t need to be overly cautious, they should regularly visit a health-care provider, stick to the asthma management plan and always be alert to symptoms.
I’m just so afraid of an asthma attack – should I just cut out sports entirely?
An asthma diagnosis should not keep a kid from being a kid. Having a solid, ongoing management plan will make it possible for your child to safely enjoy sports and other physical activity.
This web site is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. Please reach out to a medical professional if you suspect your child has asthma.
