Asthma Management, What Can Parents Do?

Written by: Dr. Bridget Sweeney-Gotsch.

An important part of asthma management, is letting the doc know what causes your child’s asthma to flare up. It is important because your pediatrician can help prevent symptoms before they start. 

These triggers can be found everywhere. At school, on the playground, on the soccer field or even in and around the home. And that is because allergens like pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mold as well as environmental exposures such as cigarette smoke, strong perfume and cold air can trigger asthma.

I often tell parents to be a “detective” at home and keep a list of triggers which cause their child’s asthma to flare up. Common triggers are:

• Pollen
• Dust mites
• Pet dander
• Mold
• Cigarette smoke
• Exercise
• Cold air

If any of these triggers cause your child’s asthma to flare up, it is important to let me or Dr. Betancourt know during your next visit.

It is also important to keep a list of what happens when your child comes in contact with these triggers. Some common symptoms are:

• Coughs
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Uses a reliever medicine (an inhaler) more than 2 days a week

Plan a visit with Dr. Betancourt or me to review the list of triggers and list of symptoms. We can help you with a treatment plan that can help prevent asthma symptoms. Moreover, we can help manage triggers so that your child has fewer asthma symptoms.

Keeping your pediatrician aware and informed of which triggers cause your child’s asthma flare-ups can help us prevent symptoms before they start. And that could help your child enjoy a more active life with fewer missed days of school.