• talking to your child
• making the best of lifestyle changes

talking to your child

Explain what asthma is

If your child understands the basics -- how asthma affects their ability to breathe, and how asthma medicine and lifestyle changes can help them -- then they're more likely cooperate with you.

• You should explain that asthma is a serious condition, yet can be managed through taking medicine, avoiding triggers, and responding quickly when symptoms start to appear.
• To help you talk to your child, watch this video together. It's a very simple explanation of what asthma is and how it affects a child's body.
• This will help your child realize that they need to pay attention to their asthma, but that they can still lead a normal life.
• Most importantly, let your child know that asthma is not their fault. It's simply the way their lungs react to certain triggers.

Help your child open up about asthma

In addition to talking to your child, you want to get your child talking about their asthma and how it makes them feel. The more your child talks about how they feel, the easier it is for you to keep track of their symptoms and triggers; possible side effects from medicines so you can tell your healthcare provider quickly; and any emotional issues you'll want to address.

• Ask your child how symptoms affect them throughout the day and when they sleep at night.
  Also make your own observations, especially with younger children.
• Reassure your child that it is okay to tell you about their symptoms -- that you're not trying to limit their fun. You're just trying to keep them healthy so they can fully participate in the activities they enjoy.
• If your child expresses fears or frustrations, explain that, while they can't ignore asthma, they can control it and lead a normal life. Let them know that you and their healthcare provider are working to make this happen.
• Tell your child that you are going to be his or her best advocate against asthma and that they are not alone in their fight. Let them know that you will speak up on their behalf whenever and wherever necessary to assure that they get the best medical care and treatment possible.

Talk about what happens in an attack

By explaining what happens to your child's airways during an attack and how rescue medicine works to help them breathe again, you are helping them stay calm and cooperate should another attack occur.

• Reassure them that you are there for them, and that when you are not, there will always be someone who can help. Tell them that you have an Asthma Action Plan that you've given to their caregiver as well.
• Tell them that the most important thing is to tell their caregiver when they're feeling signs of an attack so that this person can help.
• Explain how their rescue medicine works quickly to open their airways, and that the more they cooperate in taking this medicine, the faster the attack will go away. Practice with the nebulizer (without medicine) so that they are comfortable with it during an attack.
• Talk with your child after an attack to check in with them on how they felt. Make a plan together to address any concerns before another attack occurs.

Help your child feel more in control

Children with asthma often feel out of control -- not knowing when the next attack is going to come. You can help them by talking to them about all the things they can do.

• Once you have identified the specific triggers that cause asthma symptoms in your child, talk to them about ways they can avoid these triggers in their every day life to be more in control.
• Often the first step to helping your child feel in control of their asthma is for their healthcare provider to prescribe a controller medicine for them to take regularly. If your child is prescribed a controller medicine, tell them that the controller medicine is important to keep asthma attacks from happening so they can enjoy their normal activities.
• Check with your healthcare provider first and, to the extent they advise, assure your child that they can explore new environments, be around animals, and play sports in a safe way.
• It's important to let your child know that they are not alone in their asthma diagnosis. Nearly 22 million Americans, including 7 million children, have heard the same news from their healthcare provider, and many have gone on to do great things. This impressive group includes American presidents, world-class athletes and prominent authors. Sharing this information with your child may give them the inspiration to try a new hobby, or work hard to control their asthma so they can continue to participate in their favorite activities. With proper control, many children can lead lives with few, if any, limitations from their asthma.