Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition marked by shortness of breath, chest tightening, and other symptoms. Experiencing an asthma flare-up can be frightening, especially if you are unprepared. Developing an asthma action plan can help you and your child know what to do when a flare-up occurs. Dr. Ayotunde Faweya, the experienced pediatrician at Northside Pediatrics Associates in Conroe, TX, treats child asthma and can assist you with developing an action plan tailored to your child’s needs.
Asthma Symptoms and Triggers
Several symptoms can occur before and during an asthma flare-up. Some common symptoms include:
- Wheezing
- Gasping for air
- Difficulty breathing
- Shortness of breath
- A tight feeling in the chest
- Frequent coughing (especially at night)
- Difficulty sleeping due to coughing
- Becoming easily fatigued when playing
Many factors can trigger an asthma flare-up or aggravate symptoms and make them worse. Identifying your child’s specific triggers is beneficial so they can be avoided as much as possible, which could reduce or prevent flare-ups. Common asthma triggers include:
- Illness or a health condition
- Exercising or playing sports
- Certain scents or fragrances
- Allergens (e.g., pet dander or pollen)
- Chemicals (e.g., detergents)
- Cold weather
- Stress
- Smoke
Asthma is a chronic condition that does not go away so it is important to seek treatment. We diagnose and treat child asthma at our pediatric office in Conroe.
Developing an Asthma Action Plan
An asthma action plan can help you and your child be better prepared to deal with asthma flare-ups when they occur. Not only can an effective plan potentially reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups and their symptoms, but it could also help you avoid the need to seek emergency care.
Asthma action plans will differ from one person to the next. The doctor can help you develop one specifically tailored to your child’s needs. A typical action plan includes several components, such as:
- A list of your child’s asthma triggers (e.g., exercise, allergens, weather conditions)
- Which medications to take for certain symptoms and when
- Obtaining permission in advance to take medicine at school when needed
- Identifying the early warning signs of a flare-up and how to deal with it
- What to do in the event of a full-blown asthma flare-up
- When to seek emergency care
An asthma action plan will help your child be better prepared for dealing with flare-ups. It can also potentially minimize the frequency or severity of flare-ups by enabling your child to recognize the early symptoms of a flare-up. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Faweya for assistance developing a child asthma plan by calling Northside Pediatrics Associates in Conroe, TX, at (936) 270-8655.