Asthma is the most common chronic childhood disease. Asthma attacks can impede with a toddler’s performance. But fortunately, there are plenty of ways parents can help their children cope with asthma attacks.

Control Asthma Symptoms

The first step is to control the symptoms. In order to do that, you have to know the symptoms of an asthma attack. Wheezing, coughing, tightness of chest, trouble breathing, shortness of breath, difficulty talking, bluish skin, flaring nostrils and fatigue are all signs of an asthma attack in children.

Avoid Common Asthma Triggers

Identify the triggers. According to the American Lung Association, asthma attacks are normally triggered by exercise, dust, smoke, cold air, mold, allergies (e.g. pet dander) and infections (e.g. the flu). Clean your home regularly. Stay away from people who smoke. Keep the family pet outside the house. Knowing what sets off the attack is a way of helping your toddler cope with the condition.

Educate Your Toddler

Asthma can be a terrifying condition for toddlers. Hence, it is important that you help your toddler understand what asthma is, how and why it happens and what steps he should follow to stop or prevent an asthma attack. During your next visit to the doctor, ask his pediatrician to explain his condition. Watch videos or read books about children with asthma. Try “The Lion Who Has Asthma” by Jonathan London or “Taking Asthma To School” by Barbara Mitchell. When your toddler understands his condition, he will be better equipped to deal with it.

Have An Emergency Inhaler On Hand

It is very crucial for a toddler with asthma to carry an emergency inhaler at all times in case of an asthma attack. This is a fast-acting medication that ease the spasms in the airway, making breathing easier.

Take Controller Medications

Controller medications are necessary for preventing asthma attacks. Inhaled steroid medication can be given to your toddler everyday using either a nebulizer (a battery or electric operated device that turns liquid medicine into a steam your toddler can inhale through a mask) or an MDI (a meter-dosed inhaler – a small spray can inserted into a long tube called a holding spacer which has a mouthpiece attached to it). Leukotriene (a chewable nonsteroidal tablet) may also be given for reducing inflammation.

Make sure controller medications are taken as prescribed by the doctor and that every family member, your toddler’s caregiver and teacher are aware of his condition and knows how to treat an asthma attack.

Encourage Physical Activity

Keep your toddler active. Exercise together. Play physical games. Enroll him in a soccer class. Go swimming. Asthma does not have to interfere with your toddler’s life. As long as he does not overexert himself, he will be fine. Using a bronchodilator before your toddler does anything active can increase airflow to the lungs, preventing an attack.

Eat Well

Make sure your toddler eats healthy. Include fruits and vegetables, dairy products such as egg, cheese and milk, fish, walnuts, whole grains, cereal, pasta, meat and poultry into his daily diet. Having a nutritious diet can help your toddler breathe easier, reducing bouts of asthma attacks.

There is no cure for asthma. But, with medical assistance and appropriate treatment, your toddler will be able to manage his asthma and function like other children.