How to Teach Kids About Asthma

Asthma is a disease that causes the alveoli, or small tubes in the lungs, to swell, become irritated, and cause coughing, chest tightness, and breathing problems. According to the National Institutes of Health, asthma affects approximately 20 million people and 9 million of those are children. If your child is diagnosed with asthma, he may feel that he is different from everyone else and his life will never be the same. With some simple instruction you can teach your child about asthma, ease his fears, and help him realize that he will lead a normal, healthy life.

Things You'll Need

• Picture of the respiratory system
• Inhaler
• Medicine
• Peak flow meter
• Valved holding chamber
• Nebulizer

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Instructions

• 1

  Explain to your child that asthma affects the lungs and can cause her to cough, have tightness in her chest, and shortness of breath. She may also experience wheezing.

• 2

  Tell your child what causes these attacks. Most children have one or more "triggers," including dust, cigarette smoke, pet dander, pollen or mold. Asthma attacks can also be caused or exacerbated by physical exertion, sudden changes in the weather, the onset of a cold, food allergies, or even strong emotions. If your child is aware of what causes his attacks, he may be able to avoid his triggers and have fewer problems.

• 3

  Show your child the picture of the respiratory system and how normal lungs work. Explain that, because she has asthma, irritants come into contact with her lungs and the alveoli become sore and swell, releasing chemicals that cause excessive mucus. The mucus is what causes the symptoms of asthma.

• 4

  Explain that the medicine in your child's inhaler causes swelling and mucus to reduce very quickly, relieving the symptoms and allowing him to breathe easily again. Remind him often that it's necessary to keep the inhaler close by at all times. Assure him that you will show his teacher, babysitter and others who care for him how to help him use the inhaler in an emergency.

• 5

  Help your child understand that she needs to take her medicine to ensure she doesn't have asthma flare-ups even when she's feeling well. Let her know that it is easier and less scary to control asthma before it causes shortness of breath and coughing.

• 6

  Teach your child how to properly use the inhaler in case of an attack.

• 7

  Show your child how to use other necessary equipment to treat his asthma, such as a peak flow meter, a valved holding chamber or a nebulizer. Explain how each of these tools helps in treating asthma.

• 8

  Remind your child that people all over the world have asthma and, by treating it effectively, they live normal, active lives. Explain that the doctor will run tests to figure out the best treatment for her asthma so she can be just like other children.