The Citizen, 1997-04-09, Page 21THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9,1997 PAGE 21.
Breathe easy: Dealing with a child’s asthma
A non-curable disease, asthma is
one of the most common chronic
diseases affecting children.
Childhood asthma can be a
hereditary disorder and is usually
associated with allergies. The
disease affects between 10 and 15
per cent of Canadian children.
Any child who has frequent
coughing or respiratory infections,
coughs after running or crying,
wheezing, recurrent night cough,
chest tightness and shortness of
breath should be evaluated for
asthma.
Childhood asthma attacks are
usually triggered by some
conditions or stimulus. Common
Honouring the grand master
K huge contingent of Masons gathered at Brussels, Morris, Grey Community Centre, April 5
to honour Durwood Grenwood, second from right, of Grand Valley, who is the grand master
for the Grand Lodge of Canada A.F.& A. M. Thoughout his two-year term, the Grand Master
visits each district in Ontario, of which there are 46 with 648 lodges. A special reception is
held in his honour. With M.W. Bro. Greenwood, from left, are: Frank Russell of Brampton,
grand first principal; Alfred Sutton of Ethel, district deputy grand master and Paul Ellyatt of
Tiverton, potentate.
triggers of asthma are exercise,
viruses weather and allergies such
as house dust, feathers, animals and
pollen.
Children, especially those in
school, must understand the
seriousness of their asthma.
However, anxiety during an attack
should be controlled as much as
possible. Any form of panic can
produce rapid breathing or
hyperventilation, which will further
worsen the attack.
Caring for your child
If your child is diagnosed with
asthma there will be some
necessary adjustments in your
family life.
First of all, determine your
child's triggers. If necessary,
remove the stuffed toys from their
room, install an electronic filter and
air conditioning, take smoking
outside, avoid owning pets, use
synthetic pillows and, where
possible, keep carpeting to a
minimum.
Exercise can trigger an attack in
a high percentage of children with
asthma. But, with proper use of
medication, most children can
participate in physical activities.
Common exceptions include
prolonged running and activities
during the cold weather or in
allergy season. Swimming is the
least asthma-provoking exercise.
Important information
Asthma management docs not
end in your home. It is important to
meet with your child's daycare
provider, teacher or coach and
ensure that they are sensitive to t he
severity of your child's asthma.
Provide caregivers with a
sufficient supply of medication, a
list of your child's triggers and a list
of emergency phone numbers.
Supply them with a plan
outlining necessary daily and
emergency procedures and leach
them how to look for and deal with
an acute asthma attack.
Treatment options
Medications to control asthma in
children are non-addictive. The
amount, frequency and duration of
medications depend on the severity
of your child's asthma.
Bronchodilators relax the
muscles that tighten around the
tubes of the lungs providing relief
during an asthma episode. A
bronchodilator should not be used
more often than prescribed,
because patients may rely too
heavily on the immediate symptom
relief.
In the event that it fails to control
an asthma attack call a doctor or
emergency room immediately.
Anti-inflammatories are a
preventive medicine that works to
reduce the swelling in the lining of
the airways and helps reduce
mucus. These medicines, when
taken as prescribed, help prevent
asthma episodes before they start
and control the underlying disease.
Both treatments are available in
different forms, including sprays,
pills, powders, liquids and shots.
Leukotreine receptor antagonists,
a new class of medication under
development, are the first asthma
treatment breakthrough in a decade.
An effective alternative to today's
standard therapies, the treatment is
extremely well tolerated and will
significantly improve the quality of
life for asthmatic Canadian
children.
Speak to your doctor about your
child's asthma and do not hesitate
to ask questions about anything that
is not completely clear. Read all
available materials and learn to
avoid asthma triggers.
It is extremely important that you
and your child fully understand the
disease. Proper asthma
management includes avoiding
allergens, correctly using asthma
medications, and continual asthma
education.
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