How can I help my child fight asthma?
As the parent of an asthmatic child, you have to shoulder a major responsibility.
Your child may get frustrated or depressed. Some children even feel guilty, thinking of themselves as a "burden" on the family. Only you can help them overcome these feeling and lead a normal life.
Always encourage your child to take part in normal, day-to-day activities.
In this way, you can help overcome any feeling of inferiority he or she might have.
To boost your child's self-confidence, make them do the things they enjoy most. This also instills a sense of accomplishment in your child's mind.
Encourage your child to be as independent as possible. As your child gets older, teach them about asthma. They need to know what to do in case of an attack, like taking the right medicines.
Once your children grows up, they should be made totally responsible for taking their medicines regularly and they should know who to call in case of an emergency.
Will my child outgrow asthma?
Very often children outgrow their asthma as they approach their teens or even earlier. In others, attacks could persist, or stop for a few years and then start again.
Will my other children also get asthma?
Asthma is not contagious. Unlike catching a cold, it cannot be passed on to others by someone who has it.
The tendency to get asthma runs in families. This however, does not mean that if one of your children has asthma, all will get it.
What is the relation between emotional stress and asthma?
Almost every asthmatic child is influenced by emotional strain, which can lead to an attack.
Excitement, anger and frustration can all trigger an attack, and family problems may make the condition worse.
You should never feel guilty or think that you are responsible for your child's ailment. A positive and confident attitude can go a long way in helping your child.
Can my child exercise?
Exercise is good for everyone. It is important that children with asthma participate in an exercise program, which increase physical tolerance without aggravating asthma.
If exercise exertion interferes with their breathing, inform you doctor. He can prescribe medicines, which allow your child to exercise whilst preventing asthma.
Swimming is an excellent exercise, and breathing exercises may also be helpful.
Should my child go on a special diet?
There is no definite answer to this question, because very little is known about the influence of diet on asthma.
If you notice that your child's asthma gets worse after eating a certain type of food, avoid it completely.
Breast-feeding helps to build up your baby's immunity and builds resistance to disease.
What should I do when my child starts school?
It is important not to hide your child's asthma from the teacher. Discuss the symptoms with the teacher and ensure that your child always carries the prescribed medication to school.
Is it safe for my child to go on school trips?
Yes, your child can travel as long as the asthma is under control and he carries their medicines along, including any medicine that should be used for severe attacks.
It is very important to remind the teacher accompanying the child about his asthmatic condition. - Cipla Medpro