Research suggests that breastfeeding infants for at least the first four months may offer some protection against asthma during early childhood. However, this protection may last only as long as the mother continues to breast-feed. If the mother is asthmatic, it is possible the child may have a higher chance of developing asthma later in life. Even so, medical professionals recommend breast-feeding because of the proven benefits it offers over formula feeding.

Although asthma is a condition that affects all age groups, child asthma brings with it special concerns that parents and healthcare workers need to address. Asthma can be frightening for children who may not understand what is happening to their body. Parents should be honest with children about what is taking place, and willing to answer questions that may arise. Anxiety is a major trigger for asthma attacks, particularly in children. Informed and supported children are likely to be less anxious about their condition.

It is also important for parents to stay calm and reassuring during an asthma attack. A child who senses panic in their parent is more likely to feel anxious themselves. This can lead to a worsening of symptoms.  

In addition, there are several things that parents can do to reduce the frequency of asthma attacks in their children. These include:

• Reduce the child’s exposure to environmental triggers, such as pollens, secondhand tobacco smoke and animal dander.
  
  
• Encourage a healthy lifestyle that includes proper rest, good nutrition and regular exercise.
  
  
• Make sure children take their asthma medications.
  
  
• Combat obesity in children. For reasons not fully understood, there appears to be a correlation between obesity and increased incidence of asthma.

Experts also stress the importance of continuity in asthma treatment. Research shows that children who see the same healthcare provider over long periods of time are less likely to be hospitalized or to need emergency treatment for their asthma. Children who see the same physician are likely to develop a bond of trust. This makes them less anxious about their asthma, and more likely to follow their physician’s treatment plan.

A child’s asthma symptoms travel with them, so parents need to work with their school or childcare facility in setting up a framework to address the child’s asthma-related needs away from home. Whether for a child’s school, day care, camp or even a friend’s home, parents are encouraged t

• Talk to responsible adults about their child’s asthma, including its severity, likely triggers, symptoms, medications and how best to address a problem should one occur. Asthma action plans should also be handed out so this information can easily be found on paper.
  
  
• Document this information in writing and make sure officials have it on file.
  
  
• Make sure the child, if old enough, is also aware of this information and can communicate it to others if needed.
  
  
• Visit the classroom or other environment to look for possible triggers that may be lurking.
  
  
• Make sure the environment has a peak flow meter and adults who understand how it works.
  
  
• Make sure asthma medications are labeled and confirm that teachers or other responsible adults know how to properly use them.
  
  
• Set clear guidelines regarding when it is necessary to call for emergency care, and provide emergency contact numbers.
  
  
• Repeat this process every few months, both verbally and in writing, to update information and address any changes.

Starting back at school in the fall is a particularly vulnerable time for children with asthma. Respiratory infections are more common at this time of year and a child may be more prone to these when they are exposed to other children in a tight classroom. In addition, the rapid changes in temperature that occur in the fall in large portions of the country can trigger asthma. Exposure to stress and indoor irritants may also play a role. It is important that parents help their children to carefully follow all preventive regimens at this time of year to limit their vulnerability.

Exercise-induced asthma is a common problem for child asthmatics. As the child exercises and breathes intensely, water is lost in the lungs. This leads to cooling of the lung lining, constriction of airway muscles and breathing difficulties. Exercise-induced asthma is most likely to flare during cold, dry weather, with most symptoms peaking within 15 minutes after exercise has finished. However, symptoms sometimes appear hours after activity.

It is important to inform coaches or other activity leaders about a child’s asthma. Although exercise can trigger an asthma attack, the benefits usually outweigh the risks. Higher levels of fitness may actually reduce the likelihood of an attack occurring. Long warm-ups and cool-downs are known to reduce the odds of an attack. Consult a physician about whether a child should take medication prior to exercising. As long as an asthma action plan is in place to deal with symptoms that may arise, activity is usually encouraged in children with asthma.

Encouraging children to take responsibility for the care and management of their asthma can help them feel more in control of the condition. Children need to learn to recognize their symptoms, and to properly use devices such as an inhaler or peak flow meter when indicated.

A child should know the warning signs of an impending attack, including peak flow meter readings that indicate danger ahead. Develop a written action plan so a child knows how to respond to an emergency, step by step. This should include phone numbers to call for help. Make sure the plan is easily accessible to the child, as well as caregivers such as grandparents and baby-sitters.

Children confident of their ability to respond to symptoms are on their way to turning a potentially frightening disorder into a manageable part of daily life.