Asthma is a common respiratory condition that affects 4.5 million children under 18 in the United States. If your child is among this group, managing their asthma is critical to their long-term health. This is especially true when you’re away from home.
As summer approaches and your family gets ready for vacations and adventures, it’s time to make sure your child's asthma action plan is up to date and ready for travel.
Dr. Ran D. Anbar and our team at Center Point Medicine understand the importance of proactive asthma management at home and on the road. We want to help you year-round, but particularly during the summer months when triggers such as allergens and outdoor activities are prevalent.
An asthma action plan is a personalized document developed in collaboration with the health care provider who manages your asthma. It outlines specific steps that help your child avoid asthma triggers as well as the actions to take in case your child has asthma symptoms or an asthma attack. The plan also details medications and dosages.
As your child grows, their asthma symptoms and treatment may change. Therefore, it’s essential to review and update their action plan regularly to ensure it reflects their current needs and triggers. It’s a good idea to schedule a late spring or early summer appointment with the health care provider who manages your child’s asthma to make sure your child’s plan is still accurate.
The asthma action plan can also include ways your child can calm themselves when they develop an asthma flare-up. When children become anxious as a result of asthma their symptoms worsen. To learn self-regulation skills that can help your child cope better with asthma flare-ups, you can make an appointment with one of the providers at Center Point Medicine.
Traveling with a child who has asthma requires extra preparation and attention to detail. Before heading out on your trip, review your child's asthma action plan with them and any caregivers or family who will be traveling with you. Ensure everyone understands the steps to take in case of an asthma flare-up and show them the necessary medications and equipment.
Pack an ample supply of your child's asthma inhalers, including rescue inhalers, controller medications, spacer, and nebulizer. Keep medications in their original packaging with clear labels to avoid confusion, especially if you’ll be traveling through airports with security checkpoints. Bring along any other necessary items, like a peak flow meter and oral allergy medications, if applicable.
If you're traveling to a new destination, take some time to research the local climate, air quality, and potential asthma triggers. Knowing what to expect can help you better prepare and minimize exposure to triggers that may worsen your child's asthma symptoms.
You may also want to locate nearby urgent care clinics just in case of emergency. Keep a copy of your child's asthma action plan readily available, and know when to seek medical attention if severe asthma symptoms occur.
If your child has allergies that trigger their asthma, such as pollen or pet dander, take steps to minimize exposure. Consider staying in accommodations that are allergy-friendly, and avoid activities or attractions known to have high allergen levels.
Dehydration can exacerbate asthma symptoms, so encourage your child to stay hydrated throughout the trip, especially in hot or dry climates. Pack plenty of water and remind your child to drink regularly, particularly during outdoor activities.
By ensuring that your child's asthma action plan is up to date, you set your child up for a healthier summer vacation. Remember, you can play a big role in minimizing the impact of asthma on your child’s daily activities and overall quality of life by maintaining an updated asthma action plan and keeping medications on hand.
The entire team at Center Point Medicine is ready to support you and your child with managing the anxiety associated with asthma flare-ups. We wish you and your family a safe and enjoyable summer.
