Asthma information for parents and caregivers
Information and resources for controlling and managing your child’s asthma.
Asthma can be tricky. We understand that managing your child’s asthma can be a confusing process and we are here to help. Below is important information and resources to help.
- Children and youth with asthma do best when their caregivers, medical providers, school or day care providers, and community resources work together as a team.
- Keeping asthma under control prevents emergency room visits, hospitalization, and death.
- As children head back to school, asthma symptoms tend to increase and so can ER visits for asthma for children whose asthma is not well-controlled.
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Managing Asthma
Managing Asthma- Asthma has no known cure
- Asthma triggers are anything that makes asthma worse
- Knowing and avoiding asthma triggers can prevent flare ups
- Identify potential triggers in your home (ask your provider to make a home visit referral to us so we can help)
- Ask you child’s doctor for a written Asthma Action Plan
- The plan explains what to do when the person with asthma feels well or experiences symptoms, and how to prevent and recognize an asthma emergency
- Anyone who cares for your child should have a copy of the Asthma Action Plan
- Asthma Action Plans can reduce and prevent emergency department visits
- Massachusetts Asthma Action Plan (English)
- Massachusetts Asthma Action Plan (Spanish)
- Massachusetts Asthma Action Plan (other languages)
- Manage asthma by using medications as prescribed
- Fill prescriptions regularly
- Use a spacer - it is the most effective way to properly get medicine into the lungs
- Work with your doctor on an exercise plan that fits your asthma needs
- More Information on Exercised-Induced Asthma
- Asthma Swim (Boston Children's Hospital)
- Asthma puts children at greater risk of complications from the flu
- CDC Asthma and Flu
Questions for your health provider
Here is a list of sample questions to ask your doctor or health provider:
- What does it mean that my child has asthma?
- What are signs of an asthma attack or medical emergency?
- What will my child’s treatment look like, and what is my child’s Asthma Action Plan?
- How should I talk to my child about asthma?
- Do we need to make any changes at home? Can you make a home visit referral?
- Who else needs to know about my child’s asthma? What forms do I need for school/ day care/ or other caregivers?
- What other asthma resources are available?
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Questions about our work? Want to learn more?
