MANAGING A CHILD WITH ASTHMA – THINGS EVERY PARENT SHOULD KNOW

Asthma Asthma Asthma a condition that keeps you on your toes because you’ll never know when it’ll sneak up on you.

Whether you're a seasoned asthma parent or newly navigating your child’s wheezy breathing, this post is for you. As a pharmacist and health blogger, I’ve seen asthma from all angles — prescriptions, puffers, panicked parents — and I’m here to break it down for you, one scoop at a time🥣

So, What Is Asthma?

Think of asthma as your child’s airways being a little dramatic. One minute they’re fine, the next minute they’re tight, swollen, and flooded with mucus. This makes it harder to breathe and is triggered by things like dust, cold air, exercise, or even laughter– yes, excessive laughter can trigger an attack not to talk of emotions– yes, too much anger, excitement or anxiety can trigger an attack.

 Key Things Every Parent Should Know

1. Know Your Child’s Triggers– Triggers are like that one friend who always shows up uninvited and takes over the whole show🙄. Common ones include:

• Dust mites

• Cold weather

• Pets hair or fur

• Smoke

• Strong emotions

• Strong perfumes or sprays

• Running around too much (especially in the dry season)

💡Tip: Keep a little “Asthma Journal” to spot patterns. Track things like time of year and scents, emotions etc.

2. Get Friendly with the Inhaler and Spacer

Your child’s inhaler is their best friend. But using it wrong is the same as not using it at all because there’s zero benefits.

 The spacer– This handy tube helps deliver the medicine straight into the lungs. And for little kids, it makes the whole thing much easier.

A spacer for children 

A spacer for adults 

3. The Asthma Action Plan – Your best friend

It’s a simple step-by-step guide that tells you what to do:

• When your child is doing fine

• When things are getting worse

• When it’s time to run to the hospital

📝 Ask your doctor or pharmacist to help you fill one out and stick it on the fridge. Below is a template of an action plan:

4. Daily Controller vs. Rescue Inhaler: Know the Difference

Controller Meds: Taken every day to prevent attacks.

Rescue Inhaler: Taken during an attack to quickly open airways. To be used for emergencies.

Tip: DON’T skip the controller meds just because your child feels fine. Asthma is sneaky like that.

5. Lifestyle Modifications That Help

• Keep the house dust-free as much as possible

• Use hypoallergenic bedding

• Avoid strong cleaning sprays, detergents, perfumes etc

• Encourage play, but know their limits — and always have the inhaler close by during physical activity

Bonus Tips

• Don’t skip checkups – Asthma meds may need adjusting as your child grows.

• Teach your child about their asthma – in a way that makes them feel empowered, not different.

• Pack an “Asthma Kit” for school – with an inhaler, spacer, and a copy of the action plan.

• Emotional care matters too– Some kids feel anxious about their asthma. Reassure them, and talk about it openly. They’re not alone!

Final Words

Managing a child with asthma is a team effort — and guess what? You're doing great already by learning more. With the right tools, support, and mindset, asthma doesn't have to steal your child’s joy or yours for that matter.

Until next time — breathe easy and stay empowered!

Let’s grow stronger, healthier, and more empowered together — one scoop at a time🥣

Your Pharmacist, 

Dr. Rebecca Nortey