Caring for a child with asthma can be daunting. As a parent, you try to keep them from developing the condition, or remove asthma triggers if they already have it. While this often involves trips to the allergist and keeping the house clean, there are a few surprising ways you can possibly prevent and treat childhood asthma.
Prevention
Get your child a dog.
Research shows that children who grow up with a dog are less likely to develop asthma. In fact, having a dog may cut your child’s asthma risk in half by exposing them to allergens and allowing their immune systems to build up resistance to germs. Only get an animal if your child doesn’t already have asthma or an allergy to pet dander, as the introduction of a pet will not reverse this condition.
Help them maintain a healthy weight.
Children who are overweight have a greater risk of developing asthma than those who fall in a healthy weight range. Make sure your child has a nutritious, balanced diet and gets plenty of exercise and playtime to bolster their resistance to asthma.
Treatment
Make sure your child gets regular exercise.
Many parents may discourage their children with asthma from participating in too much physical activity out of fear it will trigger their symptoms. Once a child’s symptoms are controlled by asthma treatment though, it is important they get regular exercise to improve the health of their lungs. Find out how much exercise your child should get by talking with their healthcare provider.
Pay attention to where your child sleeps.
Keep your child protected from dust by only allowing them to nap in their clean, dust-proofed room – not a couch or pallet on the carpet. Also keep the door to their room closed, to prevent dust from traveling inside.
Raising a happy, healthy child is something all parents strive for, and we at Baptist Health want to partner with you on that journey. Learn more about the amazing pediatric care we provide, or request an appointment with one of our exceptional physicians to experience it first-hand.