Asthma, a long-term disease that affects the lungs, is common among children. The task of helping a child to manage his or her asthma can be overwhelming for parents and caretakers. However, there are many ways in which your child can be supported so that they can live a quality life.
Jamaican Family nurse practitioner in Maryland, Kericia Chambers says asthma can occur at any age. However, the signs and symptoms depending on whether the patient is having an acute attack versus chronic asthma, include:
- breathlessness
- wheezing
- persistent and recurrent cough
- difficulty breathing
- tightness in the chest
Nurse Chambers said that the signs and symptoms associated with asthma may go away spontaneously or worsen in response to various triggers such as allergens, irritants, and viral illnesses.
She further highlighted the classification of asthma, stating that severity ranges from mild intermittent to severe persistent asthma. She said the latter if left untreated could lead to complete airway obstruction and death.
“A child with mild intermittent asthma will have symptoms that occur no more than twice weekly and nighttime symptoms no more than twice monthly. On the other hand, a child with mild persistent or moderate persistent asthma will have more frequent and even daily symptoms,” Nurse Chambers said.
“The child with severe asthma will have continuous symptoms with frequent acute attacks, activity limitation, and impaired lung function that may result in regular Emergency department visits and hospitalization, school absenteeism, and reduced quality of life,” she added.
Nurse Chambers advises parents and guardians to make deliberate efforts to ensure their child’s asthma is being properly managed. She advises that they:
- Do some basic research on the disease process
- Ensure compliance with medication/s and follow-up appointments.
- Daily monitor the child’s symptoms and intervention based on a pre-established action plan by their healthcare provider
- Be familiar with the medications and their usage including proper inhaler technique with a spacer
- Identify asthma triggers and minimize exposure if possible
- Ensure annual flu vaccines are taken
- Provide support to the child
While acknowledging the frustration and challenging duties parents may be facing, Nurse Chambers urges them not to give up, but to seek assistance if necessary.
“Managing asthma in a young child can be challenging but don’t be discouraged. Become a part of a support group, or speak to other parents that have children with asthma to learn as much as you can,” she encouraged.
