Take Control of Asthma This Fall

The start of another school year brings new classes, new friends and of course new cold and flu bugs!  For many children, being sick with a cold or flu can trigger asthma, in fact asthma is the leading cause of missed school and hospitalization for children and these rates are highest during the fall.

Your child's asthma may be in poor control if he/she:

• Complains of cough, wheeze or chest tightness 3 or more times a week
• Avoids or limits exercise due to coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath
• Misses school because of asthma
• Wakes at night with cough, wheeze, chest tightness
• Uses the blue reliever inhaler 3 or more times/week 

To keep asthma under control:

• Encourage frequent hand washing
• If physical activity causes symptoms, try taking the reliever inhaler (usually blue) 10-15 minutes before the activity
• Talk about triggers and ways to avoid them
• Make sure your child can recognize their own early warning signs of asthma
• Communicate triggers, warning signs and medications to your child's teacher
• Speak to your doctor about starting or increasing the dose of your child's controller medication (e.g. Flovent (orange), Advair/ (purple), Pulmicort (brown), Symbicort (red)) if asthma is out of control