Do you notice a shortness of breath at certain times of year, like when it gets hot or on high pollen days? Maybe it’s seasonal allergies, or maybe its more. There is a possibility that you’re one of the millions of Americans suffering from Asthma but don’t know it. Approximately 7.1 million American children under the age of 18 suffer from the chronic respiratory condition known as Asthma.1 Texas alone accounts for around 556,000 of these children.1 Children who are more likely to experience asthma often have allergies, allergic skin conditions, or have parents with asthma.2 It is important to remain aware of these risk factors as summer approaches. Children who experience these factors are easily trigged by allergens such as dust, mold, and pollen, which are more common in the upcoming season.2 The combination of allergens with changing weather can trigger asthma symptoms like coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.2
By creating a prevention and treatment plan before triggers occur, you can keep your child from becoming 1 of the 10,000 children that are hospitalized for asthma in Texas.1 Typically, a plan is made with help from a healthcare professional, which can include long and short term medicinal treatments. However, you can also include easy and low cost non-medicinal treatments in your plan to prevent serious health complications from asthma. Some of these tips are to avoid triggers by using an air conditioner versus opening windows which allows pollen in, minimize dust, dander, and mold in the home, exercise regularly to strengthen lungs and maintain a healthy weight as well as practicing breathing exercises.3 These tips can help you control potential triggers before they have the ability to lead to an asthma attack. Keeping your child healthy and on top of their asthma is a way to ensure they can fully participate in the summer break experience!
- https://www.childrens.com/wps/wcm/connect/childrenspublic/5d49d481-52f2-495d-af35-ce9c1695d004/Asthma-Facts-Childrens-Medical-Center-Dallas.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CVID=lI1lEjb&CVID=lI1lEjb
- https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/asthma
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20369660