Dr. Sears
One of the greatest things about being a kid is being carefree, but having asthma can make that hard. When your child has trouble breathing, it can be scary for them and for you. If you have learned to accept a certain level of wheezing and shortness of breath as "normal" for your child, I want you to know that he or she should be symptom-free all or most of the time.
One of the first steps to help control your child's asthma is to TALK about it.
Talk about how often your child has symptoms and what triggers them
Ask your child how symptoms affect his or her day, play, or night
Reassure your child that it is OK to tell you about his or her symptoms — you're not trying to limit his or her fun you want to help make sure your child can fully participate in activities he or she enjoys
A simple test will help you get started. It's called the Asthma Control Test™, and it will help you assess your child's level of asthma control. Then talk to your child's healthcare professional about what you've learned; so he or she can help you better manage your child's asthma. Remember, better asthma control for your child is just three steps away...(1) talk to your child about asthma symptoms, (2) take the Asthma Control Test™, then (3) talk to the healthcare professional about good asthma control. With a proper treatment plan, asthma can be con-trolled and your child can live an active, healthy life.
I wish you and your child good health!
"Dr. Bill"
William Sears, M.D.