| |
 |
Amy Burack, RN, MA, AE-C |
Amy Burack, RN, MA, AE-C, is the Community Asthma Programs Manager at Children's Hospital Boston. With asthma being the most common chronic diseases among kids in the United States, we asked her to talk about the specific asthma triggers that physicians can tell parents to watch out for this winter.
Some parents think that a child can't walk to school or wait outside for the bus if she has asthma. The truth is, fresh air and exercise are especially important for kids with asthma, and they can absolutely enjoy healthy, outdoor activities during the winter months.
Bundling up with a hat, coat and gloves keeps kids warm, but breathing in the cold air can be a problem. Just as the cold dries and chaps your hands, it can also be drying to the lungs, causing tightening of the bronchial muscles. Using one's quick relief inhaler before going out can help. Also, a neck gaiter can be pulled up over your child's mouth and nose to keep the air she's breathing warm and moist—and it doesn't unravel or catch on doors like a scarf. When kids come in from playing, don't throw those wet clothes in the closet and shut the door—it's an invitation to mold. Let them dry thoroughly first.
Winter's particularly tough on kids for whom a dust or dust mite allergy is a component of their asthma, since they're spending more time indoors than usual. Even if it's not realistic to keep your home completely dust free, try to make your child's room a safe haven. If you have access to your heating system, check the filters and change them annually. Avoid down comforters or pillows, and wash all bedding in hot water once a week. Keep the air in your home warm and moist with a humidifier—even a pot of water on top of your radiator will do the trick.
A child with the most well controlled asthma will often run into trouble if she gets the flu. Habits like sneezing into your elbow and thorough hand washing will keep germ sharing to a minimum, but the most important advice I can give is for all children and their parents to get their flu shots.
|
|
| |
