An asthma attack can be frightening, especially if it is happening to your child. You need to have an asthma management plan to reduce the possibility of an asthma attack. Your pediatrician can help. Dr. Mary Ogunsanya at Maryland Children Health Center offers comprehensive medical services for children, including diagnosis, treatment, and management of asthma. She has two convenient office locations in Glenn Dale and Oxon Hill, MD.
What You Need To Know About Managing Your Child’s Asthma
An asthma attack is often caused by exposure to a substance your child is allergic to, known as an allergen. Common allergens include:
- Dust and dust mites
- Mold and mildew
- Plant and flower pollens
- Pet dander and fur
- Foods such as shellfish and peanuts
If your child has asthma, your pediatrician may recommend allergy testing to find out what your child is allergic to, so your child can avoid the substance. To control allergies, your pediatrician may recommend:
- Allergy shots
- Sublingual immunotherapy
An important part of an asthma management plan is modifying your child’s environment to reduce exposure to allergens. You should:
- Install a HEPA filter in your child’s bedroom
- Vacuum frequently, or consider switching to hardwood floors
- Keep pets off furniture and out of your child’s bedroom
- Use hypoallergenic bed linens and pillows
Your pediatrician may also want to test your child’s lung function using spirometry and other methods. To control asthma, your pediatrician may prescribe:
- Short-term rescue inhalers
- Long-term asthma management medications
Your asthma management plan should also include what to do in case of a severe asthma attack, which can be life-threatening. You should keep contact information for your pediatrician posted in a highly visible place. You want to be able to contact your pediatrician quickly. You should call 911 if your child is:
- Unable to speak due to breathing difficulties
- Experiencing deep, labored breathing
- Turning pale due to inadequate breathing
Want To Know More About Asthma Management for Your Child?
To learn more about asthma management plans for your child, call Dr. Mary Ogunsanya at Maryland Children Health Center. Call (301) 218-0398 for our Glenn Dale office or (301) 567-1767 for the Oxon Hill location, so call today.