As an allergy and asthma practice in North Texas, we happily field many questions from concerned parents about the best ways to help their children live with these conditions, with minimal disruption to their active lives. In the spring and summer it’s often allergies, but towards the end of fall and into winter, asthma may be marked by increased occurrences, thanks to colder temperatures and drier air. Today we’re sharing tips to help you manage your child’s asthma all year round.
Top Tips to Help Parents Manage Asthma in Their Kids
It’s difficult to see children struggle with any aspect of their health. And as asthma is one of the most common conditions that children live with, there are multiple actions you can take to help them live safely and plan ahead for possible serious situations. Below are the top strategies that we recommend you use to assist a child in effectively managing their asthma.
Understand Their Asthma Triggers
Knowing what triggers increase your child’s asthma symptoms is vital to managing it, and allergy testing actually helps families with this. This understanding helps you avoid items and situations, or make the necessary adjustments when avoidance isn’t possible. You may wonder how allergy testing can help with asthma. As allergies are a common asthma trigger, having insight into which allergens affect your child can help you build a plan.
Review the Child’s Asthma Action Plan
Every asthma patient should have an asthma action plan developed with their board-certified allergist. This critical plan helps everyone in the child’s life know what to do in the event of a severe allergic reaction or asthma attack. Discussing this calmly and carefully with your child can increase confidence as they take part in their own care, and it can make them feel safer, knowing they’ll have support if an event occurs.
A Clean Home Keeps Asthma Triggers at Bay
Allergic reactions can trigger asthma attacks. Homes can harbor many environmental allergens, so following regular cleaning protocols to minimize these irritants is important for your child’s health. Regular dusting, sweeping, vacuuming and mopping (as well as watching for the development of mold) are key factors in prevention. The cleaner environment helps improve air quality and leads to better breathing for everyone else too.
Air Purifiers Assist With Asthma
Investing in an air purifier with a True HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) rating and an activated carbon filter can help your child’s asthma. True HEPA standards are set by the U.S. Department of Energy, meaning the filter must meet rigorous requirements for capturing fine airborne particles.
Air purifiers remove elements like pet dander, pollen and dust from the air, minimizing their ability to trigger asthma. The activated carbon filters reduce odors and the presence of gases and chemicals, which are also triggers. Following these tips can help your child get the most out of their asthma and allergy treatments, and experience the best results.
Trusted Asthma & Allergy Care for North Texas Kids & Adults
TexasAllergyMD has allergy treatment centers in two North Texas locations, McKinney/Prosper and Southlake, to help the whole family breathe easier. With comprehensive allergy and asthma testing and innovative treatment options, we’ll help you live your life to the fullest and healthiest. Call us today at (469) 375-1525 or request an appointment.
