What resources can help me manage my child's asthma?
Resources online to design an action plan and programs at hospitals such as the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia are there to assist families manage a child's asthma.
Today's guest blogger is Tyra Bryant-Stephens, MD, Director and Founder of The Community Asthma Prevention Program at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
It's easy to feel alone when your child has asthma. Long nights in the emergency room and seemingly uncontrollable symptoms can cause stress on a family. It's no secret that Philadelphia has an asthma problem. In fact, we're one of the top five worst asthma cities. As the single most common chronic condition among children, asthma is responsible for nearly 13 million missed school days each year. Yet there's an untapped circle of support that can help children manage asthma where they live, learn and play.
Asthma management extends beyond the home. When you feel overwhelmed, know that there are folks in your life that can help – you just need to reach out. Make the effort to start that conversation with your health care provider, child and the adults in their life to see how they can support you. One such way is to involve them in your child's asthma action plan. An asthma action plan is a personalized, written worksheet that addresses the steps needed to control an asthma attack. It educates others on common triggers, symptoms, and medication details. It also provides guidance on when to contact a medical professional in case of an emergency. Adults caring for a child with asthma can download a free asthma action plan from the American Lung Association.
Every adult in a child's life - whether it's health care providers, teachers, school nurses, friends, or coaches - can take simple steps to help children with asthma stay healthy. Perhaps the most important is to ensure they are prepared to respond appropriately to a life-threatening situation. To do so, any caregiver, part-time or full-time, should familiarize themselves with the symptoms of an asthma attack and a child's asthma action plan so they can readily assist in administering life-saving medications and calling 911. Wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and chest tightness are all symptoms worthy of a visit to the nurse, clinic or a 911 call. Make sure that your child's school or daycare has a copy of your child's asthma action/care plan.
It's one thing to be prepared to respond to an emergency, but what about prevention? If your child has asthma, it's important to know that resources are available to help you manage the condition. Programs like the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia's Asthma Navigator Program, funded in part by the Merck Childhood Asthma Network, are going in homes to teach children with asthma and their families' self-management skills in their own home.
During a typical home visit, a trained community health worker will review which asthma medications are available in the home and demonstrate how to properly use them. They will also educate families on how to keep potential triggers (such as dust from blinds and carpet, pests, harsh cleaning products, and pet dander) out of the family home, and encourage follow-up appointments with a child's primary care physician.
Caring for children with asthma is a team effort. If your child doesn't have an asthma action plan, creating one is a good place to start. Then begin to build your network of care. A little extra support can go a long way to help lessen the burden of childhood asthma in our communities and ensure that our children are free to learn and to thrive.
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