7 asthma questions parents should ask

To make the most of your visit with the pediatrician, make a list of those questions and bring them with you. Here are seven questions to ask about asthma:

1. What does an asthma diagnosis mean for my child?

Your child’s doctor or health care provider can explain exactly what asthma is and give you more information about how severe your child's asthma is. Not every child's asthma is the same, and asthma in children is often different than it is for adults. Don't be afraid to ask for more details on the diagnosis, and how the disease specifically affects your child.

2. What will my child's asthma treatment be?

Treating asthma is different for every child, and your child's asthma treatment will be tailored for their medical needs and lifestyle. This is where an  asthma action plan is a must-have tool. This plan, which you'll write with your child's health care provider, provides a detailed guide to your child's asthma treatment and how to control asthma symptoms. It includes your child's daily treatment, along with how to provide quick relief in an emergency.

3. How can I reduce asthma triggers at home?

Children with asthma may have a flare up when exposed to specific triggers. These may include chemicals, intense exercise and even the weather or air pollution. Some common triggers may be in your home, like dust mites or pet fur. Once you and your child’s health care provider have identified your child's triggers, you can work on making your home trigger-free. This asthma triggers checklist outlines steps you can take to remove asthma triggers from your home.

4. Who needs to know my child has asthma?

Anyone who takes care of your child should know that your child has asthma. That includes teachers, coaches, the school nurse and babysitters. The easiest way to share the information they need is to show them your child's asthma action plan and give them a copy to keep. You can also show them how to use your child's medications. With this information in hand, your child's caregivers can make better decisions if they need to help your child through an asthma attack.

5. How should I talk to my child about asthma?

Helping your child to understand asthma will give you peace of mind and make it easier to manage the condition. Explain asthma in language that is appropriate for the child's age and give your child a chance to ask questions. You'll also want to talk about medications and what to do during an asthma attack. If you're not sure where to start, ask your child's doctor for suggestions and resources, or ask the doctor to lead the conversation.

6. What are the signs of an asthma attack or medical emergency?

An asthma attack is scary for your child, and for you and other caregivers. Knowing the signs and symptoms of an asthma attack will help you feel better prepared. Your child's asthma action plan also includes directions on what to do when your child is in the "Red Zone." Ask your health care provider to review this section thoroughly with you, and make sure that you feel prepared for an emergency.

7. What other asthma resources are available?

You and your child don't have to face asthma alone. Your child's provider and care team can help you connect with a support group, and plenty of other resources are available. You'll find an asthma action plan, trigger worksheet, one family's asthma story and much more on our Asthma Education and Resources page.

For more help, you can also download the Asthma Buddy App from Children's Health℠. The app includes asthma instruction videos, resources and a daily symptom-check feature. The app is currently available in the Apple and Google Play app stores, or you can text "ASTHMA" to 77-444 to download.

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Learn more

Children's Health offers care for the entire spectrum of asthma, from low-risk to high-risk services. Learn more about our asthma programs and services, including our Asthma Management Program, which can help you learn how to manage your child’s asthma at home.