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Asthma is the most common chronic
health problem among children, affecting 7 to 10% of all preschool
and school-aged children.
Children with asthma have attacks of coughing,
wheezing, and shortness of breath, which may be very serious. Before
you place your child in a child care setting, you should discuss
the specific needs of your child with the provider to be sure that
they can be well met.
Be sure the child care environment is well
ventilated, that there are no pets present and that no smoking is
permitted in that area at any time.
Perhaps your child needs medication administered
every day or only during attacks. Your provider should know how
to prevent your child's exposure to conditions that might trigger
an attack, how to recognize the symptoms of asthma, and how to treat
severe attacks. Providers need to know when to administer all
medications and also the name and telephone number of your child's
doctor.
A care plan for your child should be prepared
by your doctor and kept on file at the child care facility. But
it's up to you to ask
questions.
Many hospitalizations and most deaths from asthma
are the result of delayed treatment. A peak flow meter, an instrument
that measures how well a child is breathing, can help determine
when treatment is needed or whether or not the treatment is working
after an attack. Your caregiver should know how to use this as well
as much more.
Click
here for more.
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