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Patients & Consumers Conditions En Español Find an Allergist / Immunologist Just for Kids New Research Parent Resources Pollen Levels Publications Request a Speaker School Tools Seniors The Virtual Allergist™ Treatments Donate Now Search by Condition (A-Z) Search by Topic Allergy & Asthma Issues Educational Brochures Elements of Allergy and Asthma Order Public Education Materials Allergy Shots Drug Guide Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT)		Allergy & Asthma Issues: Fall 2009 TEACHING YOUR CHILD ABOUT ASTHMA Anthony Martinez, BS, and Richard W. Honsinger, MD, MACP, FAAAAI Your child has just been diagnosed with asthma. Are you ready to explain this complex disease in terms your child can understand? Here are some tips: Keep it simple. Don’t get bogged down in the details. When explaining asthma to your child, use simple terms. Making use of diagrams can help describe the disease to your child. Asthma is a temporary blocking of airways due to: Tightening of muscle surrounding the airways Mucous buildup in the airways Swelling (inflammation) of the airways Talk about triggers: Diagnosing the precise cause of asthma is sometimes difficult because two or more triggers may be present in one child. Examples of common causes that trigger asthma are: allergens such as pollen or pets irritants such as second-hand smoke medicines (over the counter or prescription) exercise (known as exercise-induced bronchia) colds, other viruses or respiratory infections Knowing what causes your child’s symptoms is important. An allergist/immunologist, often referred to as an allergist, has specialized training and experience to help determine what is causing your child’s asthma and how to treat it. Understand treatment: Talk to your physician about current treatment guidelines for children with asthma. Your physician should take an active role in making sure both you and your child know how to properly use an inhaler, a nebulizer, a spacer, a peak flow meter and any other medicines or devices that are needed for proper treatment and management. Prepare for an emergency: Despite you and your child’s best efforts, they may experience severe asthma symptoms that make it hard to breathe. It may be necessary for your child to have more than one inhaler. A short-acting inhaler, or rescue inhaler, helps quickly relieve the tightening of the muscle surrounding the airways. This inhaler is used in addition to daily treatment prescribed by your doctor; it is not a replacement. Put a sticker on the rescue inhaler or write “Rescue” or “911” in bold along the side of the inhaler so your child can easily indentify it in the event of an emergency. Get more information: To take the next step to understanding childhood asthma in greater detail, visit these links on the AAAAI Web site: Disease 101 Childhood Asthma Cough in Children What is a Peak Flow Meter? Available for purchase: All About Asthma Asthma: Understanding and Control DVD   <back>
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