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How to Help Children Cope With Asthma
by Mika Lo
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Overview
Although asthma affects both children and adults, the condition often creates greater anxiety in children. Worries about experiencing an asthma attack or being teased by classmates can make children feel isolated and depressed. Helping children cope with asthma involves creating a nurturing atmosphere in which children feel comfortable asking questions and demonstrating responsibility.
How to Help Children Cope With Asthma
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Step 1
Empower children with information. Ask your child's doctor to explain the condition in age-appropriate terms. This may include using 3-dimensional models or x-rays to illustrate the condition. Allow children to visit websites that provide current information, strategies and games related to asthma. Let children know that celebrities and athletes such as Dennis Rodman and Jerome Bettis have led successful careers in spite of having asthma. Children that understand their abilities and limitations are better equipped to handle adverse situations.
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Step 2
Create an educated network. Provide a detailed explanation of the child's condition including precautionary and emergency procedures. Since asthma affects children in different ways, it's important to stress individualized treatment measures. For example, asthma can be a seasonal condition or be triggered by exercise or stress. Children will feel more comfortable in the care of informed, knowledgeable adults.
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Step 3
Teach children important warning signs and triggers. Even siblings that share the asthmatic condition can have different flare-up triggers. Let children know when they should use an inhaler or simply stop exercise. Stress the importance of "listening" to their bodies and not under or overstating symptoms.
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Step 4
Ensure asthma is adequately controlled. Take children for regular checkups to receive appropriate advice and medication. Some children need several inhalers to control the condition while other children only require seasonal tablets for adequate relief. Properly controlling asthma reduces the risk of attacks and other scary episodes.
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Step 5
Allow children to participate in extracurricular activities. Refrain from discouraging children from interacting with their peers. Although asthma may limit some strenuous activities, asthmatic children still need to exercise their lungs. Exercise greatly improves lung function and can lessen the effects of asthma. Teach children their limits while allowing them to have playtime.
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- Ask children to regularly demonstrate inhaler usage. This helps ensure adequate dosages are received.
- Ask children to regularly demonstrate inhaler usage. This helps ensure adequate dosages are received.
- Avoid becoming visibly frightened if children have asthma attacks. Children look to adults for strength.
- Avoid becoming visibly frightened if children have asthma attacks. Children look to adults for strength.
