Asthma and Allergy > Asthma > Living with asthma > Tips for Parents, Caregivers

Tips for parents, caregivers

Asthma management is basically the same across all ages. But asthma can create some special issues for young people. For the most part, these involve making sure your son or daughter does not overuse or underuse medications. You also will want to make sure asthma does not disrupt your child’s school activities or prevent him or her from enjoying being a kid.

Children and teens who have asthma can do the same things as other kids their age. One of the keys to successful asthma management is to help your child feel “normal.” Caring for asthma should become just another necessary routine for staying healthy – such as brushing your teeth every day to prevent cavities. Of course, a severe asthma episode is more serious than needing a tooth repaired. But you will stand a better chance of avoiding hassles over taking peak flow readings or medications if asthma care is seen as another daily routine that must be followed.

Children as young as age 4 can get involved in their own asthma management. They can learn to swallow pills, recognize triggers and use peak flow meters and inhalers. They also can describe how they feel. Encourage your child to act independently and to take more and more responsibility for asthma care as he or she grows.

Camp Superkids is an asthma camp occuring each summer at Camp Ihduhapi in Loretto, Minn. The camp provides children with asthma, ages 8 to 13, a safe and educational summer experience. Camp Superkids has 24-hour medical supervision by nurses and doctors. Visit the American Lung Association’s Web site for more details.