BRONCHOSPASM/WHEEZING

• Allergies(animals, pollen, food, and molds) can trigger attacks.
• Infection(usually viral) commonly triggers attacks. Antibiotics are not helpful for viral infections. They usually do not help with reactive airway disease or asthmatic attacks.
• Exercisecan trigger a reactive airway disease or asthma attack. Proper pre-exercise medications allow most children to participate in sports.
• Irritants(pollution, cigarette smoke, strong odors, aerosol sprays, paint fumes, etc.) all may trigger bronchospasm.
• SMOKING SHOULD NO BE ALLOWED. MORE THAN PERSONAL EFFECTS, IT IS TRIGGER AND CAN PROVIDE IRRITATION FOR HOURS(TERTIARY SMOKING)
• Weather changes. There is not one best climate for children with asthma. Winds increase molds and pollens in the air. Rain refreshes the air by washing irritants out. Cold air may cause inflammation.
• Stress and emotional upset. Emotional problems do not cause bronchospasm or asthma but can trigger an attack. Anxiety, frustration, and anger may produce attacks. These emotions may also be produced by attacks.

SYMPTOMS

Wheezing and excessive nighttime coughing are common signs of bronchospasm, reactive airway disease and asthma. Frequent or severe coughing with a simple cold is often a sign that bronchospasms may be asthma. Chest tightness and shortness of breath are other symptoms. These can lead to irritability in a younger child. Early hidden asthma may go unnoticed for long periods of time. This is especially true if your child’s caregiver can not detect wheezing with a stethoscope.Pulmonary(lung) function studies may help withdiagnosis(learning the cause) in these cases

• Control your home environment in the following ways:
• Change your heating/air conditioning filter at least once a month.
• Use high quality air filters where you can, such as HEPA filters.
• Limit your use of fire places and wood stoves.

DONT SMOKE

• avoid pets- dander /urine could trigger asthma
• mopp your floor/sun your rooms
• change bedsheets and pillow covers as frequently you can- they are great reservoir of house dust mite
• wood as fuel adds smoke to your whatever be type of chimney you have

  

  asthma changes in airway

  
  
• Get rid of pests (cockroaches) and their droppings.
• If you see mold on a plant, throw it away.
• Clean your floors and dust every week. Use unscented cleaning products. Vacuum when the child is not home. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter if possible.
• If you are remodeling, change your floors to wood or vinyl.
• Use allergy-proof pillows, mattress covers, and box spring covers.
• Wash bed sheets and blankets every week in hot water and dry in a dryer.
• Use a blanket that is made of polyester or cotton with a tight nap.
• Limit stuffed animals to one or two and wash them monthly with hot water and dry in a dryer.
• Clean bathrooms and kitchens with bleach and repaint with mold-resistant paint. Keep child with asthma out of the room while cleaning.
• Wash hands frequently.

Always have a plan prepared for seeking medical attention. This should include calling your child’s caregiver, access to local emergency care, and calling 911 (in the U.S.) in case of a severe attack