Taking responsibility for a child’s asthma means easier breathing
Asthma is the most common chronic childhood
disease.
It is also, the number one reason children miss school and parents
miss
work. Although asthma may not be curable, it is preventable
"Gaining knowledge and attempting to understand asthma is an
essential tool to empower patients and their families,” says Jay
Portnoy, MD, chief, Allergy, Asthma
and Immunology
at Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics.
Dr. Portnoy suggests four steps in managing asthma:
Get an accurate diagnosis It is important the child is diagnosed correctly. Many times
children are diagnosed as having bronchitis or a cold rather than
asthma. Your physician may refer you to a specialist. This is
beneficial because it helps the child get the right diagnosis, which
can lead to improved control of asthma, further manageability and
prevent asthma.
Classify the severity of the asthma This can only be determined by your doctor. Severity of asthma
can
range
from mild to severe based on frequency as well as other additional
factors.
Create a daily plan with a physician There are National guidelines asthmatics and doctors must follow.
Generally, plans to manage asthma are
outlined on asthma action plan. These
cards are available through your physician. The cards include
specific,
detailed descriptions of what to do
for a
patient who is diagnosed with asthma. These cards give parents the
tools they need to take charge of
their
child’s asthma. The cards promote
self-management skills and a consistent approach. Other tools such as
peak flow meters
and
asthma diaries can also be helpful for patients.
Create an emergency plan for
asthma flares Anyone significant in your
child’s
life should be prepared for an emergency plan. Many
times flares arise without warning. Knowing the steps necessary to
plan
for your child’s attack
could save him
from pain, as well as save his life.
Families
who acknowledge these steps and help manage asthma spend less time and
money in
hospitals, and more time living happy, healthy lives . . . children
miss fewer
days of school, and parents miss fewer days of work.
“It
is
important for parents and caregivers to become educated about this
disease. We tried ignorance. That didn’t work. So let’s try
knowledge,”
says Dr.
Portnoy.
