Be Careful With Your Asthmatic Child In These Environments

by Brent Woods

Any parent of an asthmatic child knows an asthma attack can be highly upsetting for the child and for those around him or her. While these attacks can take place with little warning, the child's quick ability to use his or her inhaler can keep the symptoms of the attack under control. It's useful to educate your child that certain environments or situations can increase the risk of having an attack, and you may also wish to schedule an appointment with the child's pediatrician, so he or she can relay this message, too. As a parent of an asthmatic child, always be careful in these environments.

Smoky Environments

Smoke can bother many people, but it's especially problematic for those with asthma. If you're a smoker, you should definitely avoid smoking in the house, and never smoke near your child. Cigarette smoke isn't the only type of smoke that children with asthma should avoid, however. If you're camping, for example, you may wish to keep your child from sitting too close to the campfire. At a concert, the use of smoky effects from the stage may bother your child; in such a case, aim to sit near the back of the venue or, ideally, only attend concerts that take place outdoors.

Sporting Environments

Having asthma can limit your child's ability to play sports. Sports that take place at a high intensity, such as soccer, basketball, and ice hockey, can increase the risk of your child having an asthma attack. Try to avoid forcing your child to stay at home, however, as there are many benefits to playing sports, if you and your child can manage the risk of an asthma attack. Focus on sports that don't require an elevated tempo. Golf, for example, can be ideal because it doesn't involve running. Some children can successfully play softball, because its periods of high intensity are few and far between.

Chilly Environments

If you've ever stepped outside into the cold, you know the feeling of your breath being taken away. While you'll quickly regain your breath, children with asthma may begin to have an asthma attack. Chilly environments can pose a problem for children with asthma, but this doesn't necessarily mean that you need to move to a warm climate. Try to prevent your child from going outside on excessively cold days. Sometimes, spending a few minutes in a moderately cold environment, such as the garage of your home, can make the transition from indoors to outdoors less harsh.

If you're interested in finding out more, visit a site such as http://www.advocarelerchamatopeds.com.


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