If you notice that your child has trouble breathing, makes wheezing sounds, and coughs not accompanied by colds,chances are your child has asthma. Of course in order to be absolutely certain you should consult your child ’s doctor. But what if your child is a diagnosed asthmatic? The important thing to realize is thatdiagnosed early and with proper maintenance, children with asthma can still lead normal lives. It’s really up to you to make sure your child is taken well care of.

It’s sometimes hard to accept that there is something as potentially fatal as asthma afflicting your child. Asthma attacks can be traumatic for both parents and child. The key is learning how to cope with this chronic condition.

Although asthma can be fatal, luckily it is a common condition among children that has been researched thoroughly. There are medicines in the market today that are readily available both to control and to relieve asthma symptoms.

First of all, you need to be open with your child regarding his condition. Although most asthmatics lead normal lives, it is still best to make clear to the child that he does have a potentially fatal condition if he doesn’t take care. Do not take the glum view of things. Explain to him that many people with asthma throughout society and history have become successful despite their condition. Do not let you child get depressed and let him use his condition as an excuse to not perform to the best of his abilities. But make him aware also that there are things he is incapable of doing, explain to him why and point out to him what he can do instead.

Be a part of his learning how to cope with his condition. Be there when he first tries a new medication and support him through learning more about his condition. Ask his doctor to explain to him, with you and/or your spouse present, his condition thoroughly and what he should know. Family support is key to coping with anychronic (long term) condition.

Another thing you should try to figure out is what triggers those asthma symptoms in your child. These most common irritants or allergens are:

· Air pollution

· Dust

· Molds

· Pollen

· Tobacco smoke

· Pet hair

· Exercise

· Changes in temperature

· Food

· Sulfite – a food preservative found in red wine, beer, salad bars, dehydrated soups, and other kinds of food

· Aspirin and Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin)

· Heartburn

· Sinus infections

· Strong emotions

· Perfume

· Stress

· Spray-on deodorants

· Viruses

Parents should also learn how to cope whenever asthma symptoms or attacks occur. When a child is experiencing an attack, panic usually sets in and it’s up to the parents to be level headed about the situation. Parents should learn to deal with these situations calmly and objectively, not letting their emotions run away with them. This is easy to fall victim to when you see your child is suffering. Asthma attacks can be very dramatic and panic is the last thing a child needs when in the throes of one.