Managing Asthma in Children

If your child suffers from asthma in the Alexandria, VA, area, you need an experienced doctor on your side. That’s why Dr. Lisa Rainey and Dr. Perdita Taylor-Zapata work closely with families to treat childhood asthma at West End Pediatrics. Our team ensures every child is properly diagnosed and that all caregivers know what to do when an asthma attack occurs.

How asthma is managed over time can make a difference in the frequency and severity of attacks. The following tips will introduce you to the basics of childhood asthma management.

Note Warning Signs

It’s common for children to feel, look, or sound different just before they experience an asthma attack. Your child may tell you that they don’t feel well or they feel different. You may also notice that their mood changes or they start coughing in a particular way just before a full attack.

If you can determine the signs of an oncoming attack, you can help your child prevent the attack or at least prepare for it. You can also share those signs with teachers, school nurses, and other caregivers to make sure everyone knows what to watch for and what to do.

Start an Asthma Diary 

One of the best ways to note patterns in asthma attacks is to write everything down in a journal. You can do this on your phone or in a notebook so that you and your child can see and add observations. Write down everything related to each attack, including: 

• Date
• Time
• Location 
• Severity 
• Symptoms 
• What happened before the attack? 
• Feelings or mood after the attack 
• Foods consumed before the attack 

Once you detect patterns, you can identify warning signs and triggers. That information may help our doctor treat their asthma more effectively. 

Check for Allergies

Your pediatrician can test your child to see if allergies are playing a part in their asthma. Common household allergens like pet dander and dust can set off an asthma attack and may increase nighttime coughing. Some children may also have food allergies that can contribute to asthma attacks.

Once you’re aware of your child’s allergies, you can control your home environment to limit exposure. Teaching your child how to clean and select appropriate foods will give them greater control over their environment when away from home as well.

Is Your Child Suffering from Asthma?

If you suspect your child has asthma and you live in or close to Alexandria, VA, call (703) 823-7400 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Rainey or Dr. Taylor-Zapata at West End Pediatrics. We can meet all your child’s medical needs, from asthma and allergy treatment to sports physicals and vaccinations.