As winter approaches so to do all of the bacteria and viruses associated with it. While all children are affected by these bugs, for children with asthma this time of the year can be the most difficult. Children with asthma have airways that are typically more narrow and are more likely to narrow faster than children without asthma. It is important for parents to understand this, because this is the reason children with asthma to have to be hospitalized more frequently when they have a cold than children who do not have asthma.
Here are some tips to help keep your child with asthma out of the hospital:
- Use your medications correctly– There are two types of asthma medications 1) Controller medications and 2) Rescue medications. Controller medications are montelukast (SIngulair) or an inhaler that contains some kind of steroid like QVAR (beclomethosone diproprionate) and Flonase (fluticasone propionate), among others. *Of note if the medication name ends in -one it is likely steroid* Controller medications should, no must, be used EVERYDAY! This is important so I will say it again…Controller medications = everyday. The job of these medications is to keep inflammation down and make the lungs of a child with asthma as near normal as possible. If they are not used everyday they do not work. The rescue medication for the most part is Albuterol. Albuterol is used when your child is feeling short of breath or having more difficulty breathing. This should not be needed everyday. If your child is using their albuterol everyday you should talk to your doctor.
- Don’t be afraid of Albuterol– Most of the time albuterol should not be needed daily but at times when your child is sick do not be afraid to use it. When children with asthma have a cold they usually have what we call bronchospasm or narrowing of the airways. Albuterol helps relieve this narrowing. Depending on the severity albuterol at home can be used every 2 hours. However, if you find your child needing it that much you should start to make your way to your doctor’s office or local ER to be checked on.
- Touch base with your doctor prior to cold season– Check in with your PCP, pulmonologist, or allergist prior to cold season or when your child with asthma starts showing symptoms of a cold. You should ask them for a prescription for Prednisone (a steroid pill taken orally) so that you don’t have to wait for an appointment when your child starts getting sick. Often times this can help decrease the need for ER visits and hospitalizations if taken early.
- Watch for the warning signs– When children can’t breathe they don’t eat as well. Staying hydrated helps keep a child’s body strong to fight infection. Using Pedialyte and other electrolyte rich, low sugar fluids can be used when kids are not able to eat as well and prevent dehydration (drinks with lots of sugar like juice and sport drinks can make dehydration worse by causing diarrhea, so try to avoid if possible). Nasal congestion also impairs breathing and ability to eat. Keeping children and most importantly infants noses clean using bulb suctions and nasal saline sprays.
What’s take home:
- Make sure you are giving your child their medications correctly
- Increase albuterol use during sick times
- Get a “just in case” prednisone script from your doctor and
- Fluids = POWER