SHARES
“Lydia was about three, when I noticed that she was having more issues with breathing… and that’s when she was diagnosed with asthma. Last year, she had a severe attack and the doctor told us that she needs to be admitted to hospital. I was so fearful that something more serious may happen, outside of our control. I just had so much anxiety because I didn’t know how to help her.”
Do you have loved ones who are affected by asthma? Asthma often runs in the family, but not every family member will get it. About one in every five to fifteen in our region is affected by asthma.(1) If your child has difficulty breathing or speaking, coughing and wheezing a lot, he or she may be suffering from an asthma attack. Your doctor will provide you with a rescue inhaler to be used during an asthma attack. Did you know the important part of the care plan (asthma action plan) is actually to prevent it?
Did you know pollens can be a potential allergen that triggers asthma? Although the exact cause of asthma is unknown but there are asthma triggers such as dust mites, animal fur, feathers, stress, infections, smoke, air pollution, even exercise.
How to Avoid Triggers of Asthma Attacks?
Many triggers can set off an asthma attack, but understanding what sparks off an attack paves the way to prevent common asthma triggers and allergens.
1. Bedding Choice and Cleaning
Dust mites are common allergens and can be found on mattresses, blankets, pillows cases, carpets and upholstered furniture. Change and wash all bedding in warm water about once in every two weeks because cold water would not be able to kill off dust mites. Use pillows with materials that is less likely to trigger asthma (hypoallergenic materials) such as synthetic fibre. Avoid using pillows made of feather, and animal products (down pillows). Keep pillows in dust-proof zipped covers. Keep stuffed toys to a minimum and wash often.
2. Declutter Closets and Bedroom
Keep only clean clothing in the closet and make sure they are dust-free. Avoid hoarding articles, toys or storage boxes in closet, open shelves and bedroom. Making sure the environment in which the child spends the most time as dust-free as possible.
3. Keep Doors and Windows Closed
Keep room doors, cabinet doors and windows closed most of the time. Install door and window seals to prevent dust from entering the room.
4. Window/ Floor Coverings Cleaning and Choices
Wash curtain in hot water every month. Avoid heavy curtains and Venetian blinds that are hard to clean and dust-trapping. Consider using window shades instead. Also, avoid placing rug or carpets especially in children’s bedroom. If not, vacuum or wash clean at least twice a week.
5. Clean Air Conditioner Filter
The air conditioner holds a lot of dust in the air filter which is hidden from sight. Keep the room air fresh by changing and cleaning the air conditioner filter at least once per month. Keep room humid as dry air can irritate the airway.
6. Animal dander
Animal dander (tiny flakes shed from animal’s skin) can be a potential source of allergen. Watch out for worsening of asthma symptoms when your kid is with his or her pet. Avoid keeping pets or visit home of others with pets. If not, keep pets outdoor.
7. Watch Out for Food and Drinks that Worsen Symptoms
Avoid taking cold food and drinks. Also, if your child experiences asthma symptoms repeatedly after taking a certain type of food, speak to your child’s doctor and avoid taking it. Common food allergens are peanuts, shellfish, egg etc. but this differs from person to person.
8. Do not smoke
Cigarette smoke is an irritant and will make asthma worse. Do not allow anyone to smoke around your child with asthma and avoid bringing your child to public smoking areas.
9. Exercise
Exercise is good for the health of your child. If exercise triggers asthma, speak to your doctor to get help on use of reliever inhaler before exercise. Proper warm up and cool-down exercises are helpful.
Are your children happily playing today? Photo by Robert Collins on Unsplash
Conclusion
Triggers for asthma differ from person to person. Pay extra attention to your child’s asthma symptoms every day to identify and avoid triggers of asthma for your child. Preventing asthma attack is the key to well-being of your child!
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References:
- Richard B., Julian C., Christopher K.W.L., Neil P. Prevalence and etiology of asthma. J. Allergy Clin Immunol. Feb 2000;2(105):S466-470.
- Lynette PCS, Daniel YTG, Hugo VB, Bee-Wah L. Challenges in paediatric asthma today. Annals Academy of Medicine. 2007 June;36(6):376-378.
- CPG Secretariat. Clinical practice guidelines for the management of childhood asthma revised 2014. Academy of Medicine of Malaysia. 2014:2-25.
by Chang Xian
View all articles by Chang Xian.
