One of the leading causes of absenteeism for children is asthma. As more
and more children are diagnosed with asthma, school attendance will continue
to suffer if parents don’t intervene. Your child deserves to have
the chance to do well in school, regardless of breathing difficulties.
Although you likely already have medication prepared for your child, there
are simple practices that you can implement to ensure that your child
has a happy, safe return to school with minimal flare-ups.
Most parents keep their children at home when they have a flare-up, when
the mucus buildup in the bronchial tubes blocks air from getting in. However,
it might be the home that is causing the buildup in the first place. The
process to a flare-up may take weeks of small triggers causing the airways
to produce blockages in an overactive response to the environment. These
small reactions are actual imperceptible, so what may seem like a sudden
episode is the result of weeks of small, unnoticed episodes.
To predict and prevent asthma episodes, your doctor may offer a
peak flow meter, a device that measures how well your child is breathing. Ask your healthcare
provider about getting one, as they are invaluable for measuring how close
your child is to an asthma attack. When you know your child is close to
an asthma attack, you can give them medication to prevent an attack instead
of responding to it. As a result, your child will be able to attend school
safely and confidently, and you will have peace of mind.
In addition to a peak flow meter, you need to ensure that your home is
clear of all triggers.
The vital thing is to
clean your home often, clearing it of all dust, dust mites, and dirt that might trigger an asthmatic
reaction. Ensure that you are
removing dust from the home (with wet cleaning materials) rather than simply moving the dust off of
surfaces. Moving the dust may make it worse, as unsettled dust is far
easier to breathe in accidentally.
If you smoke,
quit smoking as soon as possible. Asthma responds violently to secondhand smoke, so your child is at risk
for frequent episodes if there is tobacco smoke in the home. Smoke can
also begin to absorb into the carpet and furniture, leaving pollutants
there for months. Consider cleaning your carpets and furniture as well,
if feasible.
In order to ensure a fun return to school for your child, the key to any
medication or program is
prevention. A home that is free of triggers, with regular readings of your child’s
breathing abilities, allows you to keep attacks from happening. Your child
will be far more healthy and confident in the long-term as their asthma
becomes far more manageable.
This article contains general information about medical conditions and
treatments. The information is not advice and should not be treated as
such. The information is not intended to replace the advice or diagnosis
of a physician.
If you have any specific questions about any medical matter you should
consult your doctor or other professional healthcare provider.