Parents and Caregivers
Asthma Management
One of the best ways to help manage yourchild’s asthma is by following an asthma action plan. One of the best ways tohelp manage your child’s asthma is by following an asthma action plan. Yourhealthcare provider will create an asthma action plan with you. Give copies toyour child's school or daycare as well as individuals that look after yourchild.
- Teach your children about asthma (https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/just-for-kids) and to learn thesymptoms to help control their asthma. (https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/asthma.html)
- Free webinar for parentsfrom the American Lung Association on asthma management (https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/asthma/managing-asthma/children-and-asthma)
Asthma Triggers
- Identify common asthma triggers for your child and learn how to reduce or remove exposure to them
- Note what triggers to avoid on the asthma action plan
- Teach your child how to avoid triggers
- Do not expose your child to second hand smoke.
- Avoid people smoking, the homes and cars of known smokers and designated smoking areas
Quit Tobacco
If you currently smoke or use tobacco, make plans to quit. If you are ready to quit or are thinking about quitting, call the Texas Quitline at 1-877-YES QUIT or visiting www.yesquit.org. Quitline services are available in English and Spanish.
Asthma Medications
- Learn how your child should use their medications, both regular and rescue medications.
- Have your child take their medicines as prescribed, even when they don’t have symptoms. Taking medicine as prescribed helps improve asthma control.
- Watch these videos (https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/asthma/resource-library?resourcetype=video) from the American Lung Association to learn how to use your medications and devices such as inhaler, spacer, peak flow meter and nebulizer.
Cold and Flu Prevention
- Viruses and colds can be asthma triggers.
- Get a yearly flu shot (/sites/default/files/flu/)
- Teach your child to wash their hands (https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/)