Parents with children who have asthma must take steps to make sure that their children are managing the condition properly. Asthma can cause changes in the airways that lead to other health problems later in life, and managing this problem is the key to preventing these problems. It was once thought that children who have asthma couldn’t take part in sports or other physical activities, and that they would have to be set apart from other children because they couldn’t do the same things. Today, medical professionals recommend that children with asthma take part in all kinds of activities, as long as they are receiving the right treatments for their condition.
When treatment is provided for children’s asthma in Starkville, MS, children can live normal lives and do everything that their friends are doing. They will have increased lung function, enabling them to take part in sports and other fun activities, and they will enjoy better sleep. Those who have asthma often have difficulties sleeping due to breathing problems.
Treatment for asthma involves a lot more than just taking medications. Children will learn how to manage the symptoms, and prevent attacks from happening, or at least decrease the frequency and severity of asthma attacks. When they know how to manage asthma, children do not need to take quick-relief medications as often. Ideally, they should not be taking these more than twice weekly if they are taking the proper steps to keep their asthma under control. Medications for treating asthma in children include:
* Inhaled corticosteroids -; This is a long-term treatment that is taken daily to eliminate inflammation in the airways.
* Short-acting beta2-agonists and anticholinergics -; These are quick-relief medications, and are used to treat asthma attacks.
* Oral and injected corticosteroids -; These are often used to control asthma before children starting daily medications.
Doctors at the Children’s Health Center of Columbus, Inc. recommend that parents and children keep an asthma diary, which records things like symptoms, things that trigger attacks, and the frequency and severity of attacks. This will help treat the problem and help children enjoy life to the fullest.
