Asthma

During the colder winter months, at least in the more northern parts of the US, you would expect seasonal triggers to be less of a problem, since growing things lie dormant at this time of year. However, there are a few seasonal triggers that survive even at this time of year. And since many of our big “family” holidays occur during the winter months, you and your child may also be traveling to different areas to visit family and friends. Some of these areas may have longer growing seasons or different kinds of triggers that can set off your child’s breathing problems. During the winter, it is important to make sure that your child keeps getting his or her preventive/controller medicine as prescribed by the doctor. It’s also just as important to get the prescription refilled at this time of year as it is during warmer weather. Controller medicines are used to help prevent asthma-like symptoms and attacks from starting in the first place. However, if symptoms do worsen—even with the controller medicine—don’t hesitate to use your child’s quick-relief (rescue) medicine. Viral illnesses are also more common during the winter, as severe weather sets in and we overstress ourselves with holiday activities. Even a mild viral illness can cause your child’s breathing symptoms to worsen. It is crucial that you try to keep your child from being exposed to anyone who is sick. As always, be sure that everyone in the family practices good hand washing and that your child doesn’t share drinking glasses with other children. It’s also a good idea to make sure your child’s vaccinations are up to date. Talk with your doctor, too, about whether there is anything else you should be doing to help prevent your child from getting sick. Many people decorate their homes during the holidays. These decorations may have been stored in a dusty attic or damp basement and can carry dust mites and/or mold spores into your living areas. Dust and mold are common triggers for breathing problems too. So, if your child is allergic to dust or mold, think about skipping the decorating or at least keeping the decorations out of the rooms where your child sleeps and plays the most. If your child is allergic to certain foods, the holidays can also present a challenge. There may be many new or unusual foods around. If your child has food allergies, make sure you keep a close watch on what he or she eats. If your child isn’t on a controller medicine right now, then this is a good time to ask your child’s doctor whether this type of treatment might be right for him or her. If you need to remember to make an appointment with the doctor, don’t forget about Pulmi’s Appointment Reminder. It can be a big help in getting your child to the doctor at the right time! Pulmi’s Asthma Action Plan gives you a practical way to plan ahead for the possibility of worsening symptoms during the winter months. It will help you know how and when to take action to help keep your child healthy throughout this time of year. It will also help you know when to call the doctor. Remember…it’s up to you to take action now to help protect your child from triggers that can worsen breathing problems during this time of year. After all, for a child, breathing should be as easy as, well, breathing.