Ways to Prevent Asthma Attacks in a Child

Living with asthma can be tough, especially when your a child. My son was diagnosed with asthma when he was three years old. Now, eight years old he stills suffers with asthma, but we have it under control. For the past two years he has only had two asthma attacks total. There are a lot of factors that can trigger asthma attacks, and most of them are so common that we overlook them. I don't think there is anyway to prevent attacks from happening all together, but you can lesson the attacks. In order to do so, you must be willing to make some changes in your household that might be difficult. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, every asthmatic is different, something that might trigger an attack in one, might not in another or, as they age different things can trigger attacks. These are a few things that you should watch out for, and eliminate if possible.

Smoking: Being around cigarette smoke can easily trigger an attack. If you must smoke you should do so outdoors and at least twenty feet from an asthmatic child. If at all possible you should stop smoking completely. Traces of cigarette smoke on your hair, clothing, and skin can also trigger an attack. Also avoid smoking in the car, even if you have the windows rolled all the way down.

Dust: Dust is a major no-no to have around asthmatics. Even if you dust your home regularly, there is still plenty of dust to be found. Carpet holds tons of dust under it, that a vacuum cannot remove. If you have a seriously asthmatic child in you home, you should consider replacing it with tile or wood floors. Stuffed animals also hold more then enough dust to trigger an asthmatic attack. You should limit the amount of stuffed toys your child has, and wash the ones they can't part with at least once a month. Also be sure to wash bedding, and pillows at least once every two weeks.

Perfume: Sense of smell is something we all have, and use daily. However, perfumes can trigger asthma attacks. Limit the amount of perfumes that are in your home. This not only includes body perfume, but also soaps, laundry detergents, candles, air fresheners, and so on. Harsh chemicals such as bleach, or tile cleaner should not be used when the child is at home. The best time to do your cleaning is while they are at school, or out of the home for several hours.

Dairy: Milk is a great source of calcium, but it's bad for asthmatics to indulge in dairy products. You should limit the amount of dairy served, and do not allow dairy products before bedtime.

Pets: Who don't love rover? Sadly pet dander causes asthma attacks easily. You should stick with pets such as fish, or if you must own a dog get a hypoallergenic breed. Try to keep your child from rubbing his face on, or putting it close to the pet. Make sure your child washes his hands after playing with the animal.

Flowers: This also fits into the category of perfumes. Loud smelling flowers are great in spring, unless you have asthma. For some asthmatics flowers are a complete nightmare. Try planting plants around your home that have little to no pollen or smell.

Even if you follow all of the rules, your child could still have an asthma attack at any time. That is why it is important for your child to also be on asthma medication, and to have regular check ups even if they aren't having trouble with their asthma for the time being. Asthma is controllable, and in time it does get better. Just keep in mind that a child doesn't want to have asthma. Try not to say "I'm sorry but you can't do (have) that because of your asthma." Instead look for alternatives. Your child will thank you. For more information please on childhood asthma please visit www.childrens-asthma-treatment.com. On the left side of the page you will find helpful links such as common asthma triggers.