Gaining better control of your child's asthma

In conjunction with National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month in May, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) is urging parents to ensure that their child's asthma is properly controlled. Of the more than 20 million people in the United States suffering from asthma, 9 million are under the age of 18, according to the AAAAI.

Results from a study in the August 2004 Journal of Allergy & Clinically Immunology (JACI) found that parents often took the wrong actions to control their child's asthma. Over 50% of the parents in the study tried an environmental control measure unlikely to improve their child's symptoms.

These findings illustrate the need for increased education on the proper ways to manage and treat childhood asthma. This starts by working closely with an asthma specialist, such as an allergist/immunologist. An allergist/immunologist is the best-qualified medical professional trained to manage the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of allergies and asthma.

“For many families, the learning process is the hardest part of controlling asthma,” said Jacqueline Pongracic, MD, of Children's Memorial Hospital , Chicago and Fellow of the AAAAI. “Once parents start to ask questions and get a better understanding of their child's condition, they discover their child can live a healthy and happy life with asthma.”

The AAAAI urges parents to use the following checklist on the next visit to their child's allergist/immunologist:

• Ask about steps you can take to make your home a better living environment for your child. Most children with asthma also have allergies that make their symptoms worse. It's important to know what your child is allergic to and how you can provide an allergen free environment.

• Work with your child's allergist/immunologist to create a daily management plan, which describes the regular medications and measures to keep your child's asthma under control.

• Ask the doctor for a peak flow meter – an instrument that measures the airflow of your child when he/she blows into it quickly and forcefully. Experts recommend asthmatic children use them at home to guide decisions about when medications need to be increased or decreased, and to determine when to call a physician or seek urgent care.

• Ask for a demonstration on how to properly use an inhaler.

• Ask about creating an asthma action plan, which describes actions to take when your child's asthma worsens, including what medications to take and when to contact a physician.

To find an allergist/immunologist in your area call the AAAAI's Physician Referral and Information Line at 1-800-822-2762.