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My child has been diagnosed with asthma what do I do?.
A
The cause of asthma is not
known, but it is thought that it may be a combination of genetic and environmental
factors. Asthma affects the breathing tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs.
There is currently no cure for asthma but you can help your child by researching
asthma in general. Knowledge is power and finding out as much as possible about
the condition will help you get the best treatment for your child.
You can also help your child by finding out what environmental
factors may trigger the asthma in the first place and avoid them. These may
be cigarette smoke, or things that cause allergic reactions such as pollen,
foods and animal fur.
If you smoke it goes without saying the best thing you can do
for your child is try to give up - you can get help by going to NHS smoke free
website or by calling 0800 0224332 or follow the link here: smokefree.nhs.uk
Your GP may have given your child medication to use that relieves
the symptoms of asthma and / or prevents future symptoms developing. You should
speak to your practice nurse or health visitor to make sure you are using the
medication correctly.
It will also help for you to recognise the symptoms of asthma
- these are:
- breathlessness
- wheezing (there may
be a whistling sound when your child breathes),
- Coughing (particularly
at night).
You’re GP, Childs
consultant (Paediatrician) at the hospital, asthma nurse, practice nurse or
health visitor will also give you a plan as to what to do if your child’s
asthma is not controlled including what action to take and when to seek help.
Asthma can be well controlled but you it is important to also recognise it can
be dangerous too - so if in doubt take your child to the GP or A&E department.
health visitor
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