Asthma Action Plan
posted: Sep. 08, 2020.
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Has your child been diagnosed with asthma? Asthma is one of the most common chronic disorders in US children, affecting millions of children under the age of 18. Of course, as you may have already discussed with your child’s asthma physician, maintaining control over their symptoms is key to preventing attacks.
To maintain and control your child’s asthma, it’s important to create an asthma action plan with your doctor. This plan will not only provide you with the information you need to help manage your child’s asthma but also how to handle an attack if it happens.
How to Create an Asthma Action Plan
Asthma symptoms can vary from child to child, which is why it’s important to create your child’s asthma action plan with their allergist or asthma specialist. After all, this action plan is individualized to your child’s health, symptoms, and needs. You should also monitor and record your child’s symptoms regularly.
Wondering what should be in your child’s asthma action plan? The plan should include:
- What triggers your child’s symptoms
- The specific names and dosages of the medications your child is taking
- Regular peak flow monitoring and measurements (this can indicate whether your child’s asthma is getting worse or being properly controlled)
- Which medications your child should take and when, particularly when experiencing a flare-up
- The name of your asthma doctor, as well as the local hospital and emergency contacts for your child
Provide a copy of this action plan to your child’s teachers or the school nurses so if your child does develop symptoms of an attack, they understand exactly what to do. Even if your child is taking medication you should still be tracking any symptoms they may experience. Signs that their asthma isn’t being properly controlled include:
- Regular daytime chest tightness or wheezing
- Trouble engaging in physical activity
- Increased nighttime problems such as coughing
Having a clear and detailed asthma action plan will also provide you with the steps that you or someone else will need to go through when your child is faced with a severe asthma attack or requires emergency medical attention.
Your child must have a doctor that they can turn to for regular asthma monitoring and help you create a customized asthma action plan. If your child doesn’t currently have an action plan it’s time to talk to your doctor about one now.