The World Health Organization reported in 2016 that there were about 339 million people suffering from asthma worldwide.

Asthma also happens to be the most common non-communicable disease among children, and those who have it are at risk of developing more serious types of respiratory illnesses.

Living with asthma is difficult for children, so parents need to provide all the care and support they could give.

If you have a child who suffers from this condition, consider these important reminders on how you can help your child cope:

1. Follow the Doctor’s Advice

This might seem like an obvious piece of advice, but cooperating with your family physician helps you prepare for when complications arise.

Moreover, make sure your child gets their prescribed medicine on time and at the right dosage.

For this, it always helps to use an organizer that includes a schedule for medication and reminders on what to do in case of an asthma attack.

2. Steer Clear of Risks

An asthma attack can be triggered by a lot of things, from air pollution to pollen, so it’s important for you as a parent to know which of these environmental factors are a great risk to your child and learn how best to avoid them.

For one, you can learn the dangers of asbestos to asthma patients and invest in protective measures such as breathable face masks.

That way, your child can enjoy the outside world without the risk of an attack.

3. Keep Track of Attacks and Symptoms

Taking note of when, where, and how asthma attacks occur is crucial to your child. This helps you determine if the condition is improving, if the attacks occur more frequently than before, or if there are new triggers you and your doctor should know.

That being said, it’s always important to keep a journal and ask your child if they experienced any symptoms during the day.

This will make it easier for your doctor to determine the next course of action to take.

4. Always Be Prepared

Knowing the triggers of an asthma attack isn’t enough.You wouldn’t even know if these triggers are present until a flare-up occurs, so it’s always best to be prepared for any eventuality.

For this, you will need to carry an extra inhaler or quick relief medicine with you (with authority from your physician, of course) in case your child forgets to bring theirs.

It’s also important to administer first aid in case of severe attacks, so be sure to talk with the doctor about the best ways to give immediate relief. 

5. Talk with Teachers and Peers

You can’t expect to be there when your child undergoes an asthma attack. So, it’s always best to talk with your child’s teachers and friends and tell them what to do in case of a flare-up.

This should also make them become aware of certain triggers and activities that your child shouldn’t be exposed to.

Asthma in children shouldn’t be a subject of fear among parents. While it’s a long-term condition it can be controlled so long as parents take necessary action.