Childhood asthma is back in the news as parents in a Maryland school found that their asthmatic children had more episodes after being back in school from winter break, reports ABC 7. Their concerns are prompting another look at asthma and what families can do to help make life easier for kids who have it.
* The American Academy of Asthma, Allergy and Immunology (AAAAI) describes asthma as an inflammation of the airways that causes wheezing, chest pain and shortness of breath.
* There are several kinds of asthma: occupational (or environmental), allergic and childhood asthma. If a child is going to develop any one of these kinds of asthma he will most likely do so before age five or at least by his teen years.
* According to the CDC, nearly 10 percent of children have some form of asthma. Parents who have asthma or those with a family history of asthma are much more likely to have children with asthma.
* AAAAI says asthma is usually triggered by one of several things: exercise, cold air and air quality problems. AIRNow offers state-by-state air quality alerts to help asthma sufferers prepare for attacks.
* One of the most dangerous triggers is second hand tobacco smoke. The CDC advises smoker parents with asthmatic children to only smoke outside the home and avoid smoking in the car or around children.
* Other triggers in the home include: dust mites, mold, pet fur and dander, wood smoke and cockroaches. The CDC advises parents to keep an asthma-prone child's environment vacuumed and free of clutter. Children should be kept away from campfires and excess bulky bedding that traps dust. Running an air conditioner, heating with gas instead of a wood stove and keeping furry pets clean and brushed helps, too.
* Maryland parents said that school was another place where kids experience problems with asthma. One mother said that since returning to school after winter break her son was back on his asthma medication, double doses in fact, when he had needed none at home, says ABC News.
* Triggers at school include fluctuating temperatures from antiquated heating and ventilation systems. Most schools are little used during vacation and dust and mold build up caused problems too.
* Cold winter temperatures outside plus stale air inside make asthma conditions worse, too, says WebMD. They advise parents to be vigilant about taking medications and make sure children dress warmly, including wearing a scarf over the mouth.
* There are several asthma treatment methods available for children. Parents, along with the child's doctor should create an Asthma Action Plan so that all family members, caregivers, babysitters and school staff know how to help the child in case of an asthma attack.
* The CDC encourages parents to educate their children about asthma and help them plan strategies to avoid triggers and prevent attacks. There are several websites for children about how to manage asthma, including BAM, Airnow Kids and AAAAI Just for Kids.
Marilisa Kinney Sachteleben writes about parenting from 23 years raising four children and 25 years teaching, K-8, special needs, adult education and homeschool.
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