Spreading the word

Although you may be the primary caregiver for your child with breathing problems, there are probably many other people who contribute to his or her care. Since breathing problems can happen at any time, breathing treatments may need to be given while other caregivers are in charge.

For your own peace of mind, you want to be sure that everyone involved knows the best way to care for your child’s asthma. Whether your child is at school, at play, at day care, with a babysitter or another family member, other caregivers need to know how to respond to his or her breathing problems.

Take time to talk to your child’s other caregivers, including the staff at his or her school or day care and provide them with written guidelines on how to use your child’s daily nebulizer treatment and/or inhalers. Additionally, make sure they are prepared in the event that your child does have an asthma attack by providing them with an Emergency Contact Card.

And also remember, while it may seem challenging, whether you’re just visiting family or friends for the day or going on vacation, it’s important that you maintain your child’s daily medication treatment routine.

Use an Asthma Symptom Prevention Plan

Having a written asthma plan can help keep your child's asthma under control. The Asthma Symptom Prevention Plan includes what steps to take, based on changes in your child's asthma (or asthma-like) symptoms and his or her peak flow meter readings (if age four years or older).

The Asthma Symptom Prevention Plan lets you and other caregivers know when and how to use your child's quick-relief and controller asthma medications.

A copy of the Asthma Symptom Prevention Plan should be given to all close family members, as well as teachers, day care providers, and babysitters. You should also review the plan regularly with your child’s doctor, and be sure to get your child involved as well.

Show each caregiver how the Asthma Symptom Prevention Plan works and also how to look for both quiet and loud symptoms. Your child's asthma plan is a key factor in helping you, and other caregivers, know when to take action. It helps everyone help your child be an everyday kid.

To create an asthma plan for your child, download the Asthma Symptom Prevention Plan.