How to Help Children Cope with Asthma Attacks
Learn to identify an asthma attack., Be sure the child knows exactly what asthma is., Create a plan to handle the actual attacks (Asthma Action Plan)., Create a plan to soothe the emotions involved in the attack (Asthma Coping Plan)., Alert everyone...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Learn to identify an asthma attack.
For both you as carer and for the child as asthma sufferer, knowing the symptoms is a vital part of good management of asthma attacks.
Typical symptoms of an asthma attack include:
Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, or very rapid breathing Severe wheezing when breathing both in and out Coughing that won't stop Chest pain or pressure Tightened neck and chest muscles, called retractions Difficulty talking and performing normal daily activities Feelings of anxiety or panic Pale, sweaty face Blue lips or fingernails Worsening symptoms despite use of medications -
Step 2: Be sure the child knows exactly what asthma is.
Use the steps above to reach the child to recognize the symptoms so they know when they're having an attack. , You can develop this with your doctor based on the severity of your child's attacks.
If you are with a child who has an 'asthma action plan,' be sure you know the steps to follow to control/manage the attack.
If you are with a child who does not have an asthma action plan, call the emergency services immediately. , You should always plan to remain calm in order to help the child remain calm.
The plan should be simple and focused only on coping with the asthma attacks.
Be sure to limit the number of steps in the asthma coping plan to no more than 10 actions, and be sure to know all steps in advance.
Here is a personalized asthma attack action plan (suitable for a child between the ages 6-12) that you might like to adapt to your own child:
Remain calm.
Alert a medical professional.
Tell Barker 'everything will be okay' and help him remain calm.
Enforce the "no crying" rule with the "no tears" chant ("Tears, tears... go away, come again another day, little Barker wants to play, tears, tears go away").
Help him relax by playing soothing music or his favorite calming song.
Smile and help Barker smile (no laughing, as laughing can make the attack worsen).
Tell Barker one of his favorite stories to keep him calm and remove his focus from the attack.
Allow Barker to read one of his favorite books.
If he's calm, and coping well, play a game with Barker that does not require many words or too much physical movement, where he can relax more, like a video game or board game.
Hug Barker and give him massages on the arms, back, and face. , This includes family members, school officials, babysitters, coaches, clergy/church members, instructors, tutors etc.
The more people who know of the plan, the better the chances are of the child creating healthier coping habits. -
Step 3: Create a plan to handle the actual attacks (Asthma Action Plan).
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Step 4: Create a plan to soothe the emotions involved in the attack (Asthma Coping Plan).
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Step 5: Alert everyone who comes in contact with the child on a regular basis of the plan.
Detailed Guide
For both you as carer and for the child as asthma sufferer, knowing the symptoms is a vital part of good management of asthma attacks.
Typical symptoms of an asthma attack include:
Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, or very rapid breathing Severe wheezing when breathing both in and out Coughing that won't stop Chest pain or pressure Tightened neck and chest muscles, called retractions Difficulty talking and performing normal daily activities Feelings of anxiety or panic Pale, sweaty face Blue lips or fingernails Worsening symptoms despite use of medications
Use the steps above to reach the child to recognize the symptoms so they know when they're having an attack. , You can develop this with your doctor based on the severity of your child's attacks.
If you are with a child who has an 'asthma action plan,' be sure you know the steps to follow to control/manage the attack.
If you are with a child who does not have an asthma action plan, call the emergency services immediately. , You should always plan to remain calm in order to help the child remain calm.
The plan should be simple and focused only on coping with the asthma attacks.
Be sure to limit the number of steps in the asthma coping plan to no more than 10 actions, and be sure to know all steps in advance.
Here is a personalized asthma attack action plan (suitable for a child between the ages 6-12) that you might like to adapt to your own child:
Remain calm.
Alert a medical professional.
Tell Barker 'everything will be okay' and help him remain calm.
Enforce the "no crying" rule with the "no tears" chant ("Tears, tears... go away, come again another day, little Barker wants to play, tears, tears go away").
Help him relax by playing soothing music or his favorite calming song.
Smile and help Barker smile (no laughing, as laughing can make the attack worsen).
Tell Barker one of his favorite stories to keep him calm and remove his focus from the attack.
Allow Barker to read one of his favorite books.
If he's calm, and coping well, play a game with Barker that does not require many words or too much physical movement, where he can relax more, like a video game or board game.
Hug Barker and give him massages on the arms, back, and face. , This includes family members, school officials, babysitters, coaches, clergy/church members, instructors, tutors etc.
The more people who know of the plan, the better the chances are of the child creating healthier coping habits.
About the Author
Sharon Parker
Specializes in breaking down complex crafts topics into simple steps.
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