Between avoiding triggers, recognizing symptoms, and staying on top of medications, asthma management may feel like a lot of work! Life gets busy and may present with new or unexpected challenges that make managing your child's asthma harder. Here are some common areas where management may be difficult, along with tips to help:
Regular use of controller medications
Inhalers that contain an inhaled steroid will be most effective if used daily and consistently. Many people struggle to remember to use them, especially when they feel well. Others may have hectic schedules or multiple caregivers, which interfere with regular use. Coming up with a plan that works best for your family is the best approach. Some prefer to set reminders on their phones. Others find it helpful to place the inhaler in a spot where it is easily seen, for example next to a toothbrush or even a video game console. Ideally, children should not be put in charge of their own medicine – they’re too busy being kids and will not use them regularly.
Avoidance of triggers
It helps to understand your child’s triggers, which may require allergy testing or discussion with their doctor. You should check your home thoroughly for any potential triggers and remove them if possible. This can include cigarette smoke, pets, scented candles, essential oil diffusers, aerosol sprays, perfumes, and even cleaning products. Anything with a scent can irritate the airways, even all natural products.
Pharmacy refills
Controller inhalers need to be refilled every 30 days, even if it seems like there is still medicine inside. Dose counters help keep track but are not present on every inhaler. Consider signing up for automatic refills through your pharmacy. You may also be able to set up calendar alerts on your phone. The goal should be to pick up the refill prescription before you run out.
Early treatment of symptoms
It is important to start using rescue inhalers as soon as any symptoms occur. These rescue inhalers may contain a bronchodilator alone (albuterol) or may contain an inhaled steroid in combination with a bronchodilator called formoterol. Many families wait too long to start treatment, which is then ineffective. Don’t think of this as an emergency inhaler, think of it as a rescue inhaler – waiting for an emergency is too late!
Know your action plan
Every child with asthma should have their own action plan filled out by their doctor. This details their daily medicines, when to start treatment, and when to seek emergency care. This should be updated and reviewed at every visit and then referred to if they are having problems.
Asthma management may seem overwhelming at times, but you’re not alone. Make sure you talk with your child’s doctor about any questions or concerns. When it comes to asthma, don’t settle! The goals for everyone with asthma should be to prevent daytime symptoms, sleep well at night, avoid the need for Emergency Room or Urgent Care visits, and maintain normal activities like playing and sports.
The management of asthma has evolved a lot over the years. Doctors now have new medications and approaches to set you and your child up for success and to help you achieve these goals!
Kasey Strothman, MD is an assistant professor of pediatrics in the Division of Allergy and Immunology. Dr. Strothman is board-certified in allergy and immunology, and a fellow of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. In 2020 she became director of the Complex Asthma Clinic at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
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