Having an asthmatic child can sometimes be challenging. Asthma is a common disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it affects approximately six million children in the US. If asthma is not controlled correctly, a child may need to be hospitalized, which can be scary. Nonetheless, a pediatrician can help you manage your child's asthma and ensure healthy living. If you live near Los Gatos, you can visit LG Pediatrics to see how best your child can be helped. The practice has three experienced doctors, Dr. Iris Li, Dr. Joseph Gali, and Dr. Komal Afzal, who will work with you to develop a proper asthma action plan.

How to Manage Your Child's Asthma

In most cases, asthma symptoms can be controlled- sometimes so well that there are barely any problems. However, learning about asthma and managing it can sometimes be challenging. Nonetheless, it becomes a regular routine once you get used to dealing with asthma. The tips listed below can help you manage your child's asthma:

• Have an asthma action plan and stick to it. If your child has asthma, you should visit a pediatrician, who will give you written instructions on what medicines the child should take, what to do if there is a flare-up, and how to avoid triggers. Following this plan will teach you to manage your child's condition and know when to call the doctor for help.
• Take medicines according to prescription. Some medicines are taken daily, while others are only taken when there is a flare-up. Your pediatrician in Los Gatos, CA, will tell you what types of medicines your child requires and how to take them.
• Identify triggers and avoid them. Triggers are those things that can lead to a flare-up. Common triggers include allergens, weather changes, and viral infections. Finding your child's triggers can take some work, but it's worthwhile.
• Make sure your child gets vaccinated against the flu every year. If an asthmatic kid catches the flu, they are at greater risk for flare-ups and can develop more severe conditions.
• Have emergency medication always. Make sure you have medicines the doctor has prescribed for emergencies in the house.
• Be aware of the signs of a flare-up. After a few bursts, you may know when your child will have one. Early symptoms like wheezing can help notify you of a burst, allowing you to get ready with the medicines.

Contact Us Today

While asthma may be a chronic condition with severe breathing problems, it can be controlled effectively. If you are in Los Gatos, CA, call LG Pediatrics at (408) 358-2624 to book an appointment. Dr. Li, Dr. Gali, or Dr. Afzal will work together with you to develop a proper asthma action and management plan for your child.