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Your child and asthma
As
the parent of a child who suffers from asthma, you will be
happy to know that asthma need not restrict your child from
leading a normal, active and largely symptom-free life.
There may be times when your child gets frustrated or depressed.
Only your positive attitude can help him overcome these feelings.
Remember, with regular medication and your doctor’s guidance,
your child can lead a happy and more fulfilling life.
Help your child fight asthma
- Always encourage your child
to take part in normal, day-to-day activities.
- To boost your child’s
self-confidence, encourage him to do the things he enjoys
most.
- Encourage your child to be
as independent as possible.
- As your child grows older,
teach him about asthma.
- Teach your child to be totally
responsible for taking medicines regularly.
- Your child should know whom
to call in case of an emergency.
- Make sure
you inform the school authorities about your child’s
asthma.
Answers to
questions parents often ask
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Will my child outgrow asthma?
Some 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.
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Will my other children also get asthma?
Asthma is not contagious. Someone who has it cannot pass
it on to others. Though the tendency to have asthma runs in
families, this does not mean that if one of your children
has asthma, the others will necessarily get it.
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Can my child exercise?
It is important for children with asthma to take part
in exercise programs that increase their physical tolerance
without aggravating asthma. If it interferes with their breathing,
inform your doctor. He can prescribe appropriate medicines.
Swimming and yoga are excellent for children with asthma.
Breathing exercises may also be helpful.
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Does emotional stress play a part in my child’s
asthma attack?
Excitement, anger and frustration can aggravate an attack
in an asthmatic child. Family problems may also make his condition
worse. A positive and confident attitude in parents can go
a long way in helping a child with asthma.
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Should my child go on a special diet?
Very little is known about the influence of diet on asthma.
If you notice that a certain type of food makes your child’s
asthma worse, avoid it completely. In infants, breast-feeding
helps to build up immunity to diseases.
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What should I do when my child starts going to school?
It is important not to hide your child’s asthma from
the teacher. Discuss the symptoms and treatment with the teacher.
Make sure your child carries the necessary medicine to school.
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Is it safe for my child to go on school trips?
Yes, as long as the asthma is under control. Your child
must carry the prescribed medicine, including medicine for
a severe attack. It is also very important to remind the accompanying
teacher about your child’s asthma.
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Famous
sportsperson who have not let asthma stop them:
- Cricketer
Ian Botham
- Athlete Jackie
Joyner Kersee, Olympic Gold Medallist.
- Swimmer
Mark Spitz, winner of nine Olympic Gold Medals.
Inhalation devices
you can use
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Powder
Inhaler
Powder Inhalers are devices
that deliver a measured dose of medicine in a powdered
form. The transparent Rotahaler is one such device.
It uses a capsule to deliver the medicine and is very
easy to use.
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Spray
Inhaler
The Spray Inhaler is the most widely used inhalation
device in the world. It delivers a measured dose of
medicine through a pressurized spray. To get the full
benefit from a spray inhaler, it is essential to use
it in a proper way.
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Spacer
The Spacer is a holding chamber which can be attached
to the Spray Inhaler. It makes the Spray Inhaler easier
to use and adds to its effectiveness.
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Nebuliser
Nebulisers are used for giving higher doses of medication
at times when breathing becomes very difficult. They
are machines that transform the medicine into a fine
mist, which can be breathed in by normal breathing,
via a facemask or a mouthpiece. Nebulisers are usually
used in hospitals and nursing homes, for the management
of severe attacks.
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| Following your doctor’s instructions and
the proper usage of your inhalation devices is essential
to keep your asthma under control. The following pages
give you some guidelines on the effective use of different
types of inhalation devices. |
| How
to use your Rotahaler |
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1.
Insert the transparent end of the Rotacap into
the raised square hole of the Rotahaler.
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2. Hold the top of the Rotahaler firmly with one hand.
Rotate the base until the capsule breaks.
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3. Breathe out through your mouth. Then, placing the Rotahaler
between your lips (as shown), breathe in though
your mouth as deeply as possible.
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4. Remove the Rotahaler from your from your mouth. Hold
your breathe for 10 seconds or as long as you
find comfortable. Breathe out.
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For step-by-step details on how to use
this device, please follow your doctor's instructions
and refer to the leaflet in the product pack.
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| How to use your Spray Inhaler |
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1. Take off the cap. Shake the inhaler well.
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2. Breathe out though your mouth.
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3. Place the inhaler between your lips. As you start to
breathe in, press the top end of the inhaler
and keep breathing in steadily and deeply.
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4. Remove the inhaler from your mouth. Hold your breath
for 10 seconds or as long as you find comfortable.
Breathe out.
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| For step-by-step details on how to use this device, please
follow your doctor's instructions and refer
to the leaflet in the product pack. |
| How to use your Spacer |
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1. Assemble the Spacer by pushing the notch of one half
into the slot of the other half.
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2. After shaking the inhaler well, fit it into the Spacer.
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3. Breathe out through your mouth. Then close your lips
around the Spacer, as shown.
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4. Press the top end of the inhaler. Then, breathe in
deeply though your mouth.
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5. Remove the Spacer from your mouth. Hold your breath
for 10 seconds or as long as you find
comfortable. Breathe out.
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Note: Children below 3 years may benefit more
with a BabyMask attached to the Spacer.
For step-by-step details on how to use
this device, please follow your doctor's
instructions and refer to the leaflet
in the product pack. |
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Make sure you know
1.
What medicines to use.
2. When to use them.
3. How to use them.
4. When to call your doctors.
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Some Travel Tips
1.
Always remember to carry your Reliever and Preventer
medicines with you.
2. Also carry any medicne you may need for severe attacks.
3. Avoid dusty environments, smoke and cold air.
4. Use clean bedding. |
Some tips to lead a healthy and active life
1. Follow your doctor’s advice. Avoid self-medication.
2. Stay away from things that trigger your asthma attack.
3. Do breathing exercises regularly.
4. Keep a close watch on your asthma symptoms. |
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