Childhood asthma has increased in prevalence over the years. Parents understandably want to help their children as much as possible after symptoms first appear and a diagnosis is made. Most children with asthma also have allergies, and allergens can trigger an asthma attack. A pediatric doctor in Jacksonville FL typically uses an environmental approach along with medical treatments that may include inhalers, injections, and oral medicine.
Keeping a Diary
A pediatric doctor in Jacksonville FL may ask the family to keep a diary detailing various factors. The diary may include the number of symptom-free days in a month, the severity of symptoms when they do occur, and any need for urgent care. The parents will want to add any thoughts about what triggered the episodes. A pattern may emerge. For a definitive diagnosis and to begin effective treatment, parents may schedule an appointment with a clinic.
Environmental Controls: An Example
Environmental controls depend on the allergens the child reacts to. Reactions to the waste products of dust mites are common problems, for example. Ideally, the child’s sleeping environment should not include carpeting on the floors or an overabundance of bed linens. Fabric is one place where the mites thrive.
That includes pillows, which can be tough to keep clean. Some men and women act like pillows are permanent possessions when, in reality, pillows should be thrown away every year or two at a minimum. That’s especially important for people who are allergic to dust mites.
In the meantime, the pillows should be washed every two or three months in hot water and dried in a hot dryer. Another way to kill dust mites is to put the pillow in a freezer for at least 24 hours.
Nutritional Supplements
Some children with asthma respond well to nutritional supplements. For instance, vitamin D insufficiency is very common among both children and adults because most do not receive enough sun exposure for the body to generate its own vitamin D. Research has found that supplementing with this vitamin at an appropriate level reduces the number of times children must be treated with inhaled or injected corticosteroids. For more information visit us on Avecina Medical at https://avecina.com/.
