Is my child’s asthma getting worse?
The following signs could mean your child's asthma is getting worse.
- Wheezing and coughing first thing in the morning.
- Increased wheezing and coughing after exercise, or doing less exercise.
- Waking at night with a cough or wheeze.
- Needing more and more reliever medicine with less and less effect.
Your doctor or practice nurse can draw up an asthma management plan for you.
It will explain when to use the preventer and reliever and what to do if your
child's symptoms get worse.
Coping with childcare
Finding the right childcare can be difficult, especially for parents of children with asthma. Whatever sort of childcare you arrange for your child, it is important to make sure the child care worker understands about your child's asthma. Think about the following:
- Will anyone be smoking around your child?
- Are there any pets around?
- Will your child's carers give your child medication if necessary? If so, will they understand when and how to use it?
- Does your child's carer know how to recognise and deal with an emergency?
- Can they contact you quickly at all times?
Make sure you leave clear written instructions for carers. You can give them a copy of your child's asthma management plan available from the Asthma Society of Ireland. This will show them which medicines your child needs to take, when to give them and what to do in an emergency.
