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Summer is the perfect time for visiting family and friends and exploring new places. It’s not the perfect time for an asthma attack.
Whether your child suffers from a chronic condition like asthma, has a pressing health need such as an illness or injury, or simply requires a well-child visit, our team at Angel Kids Pediatrics can help. We also treat behavioral and developmental issues for total continuity of care.
With our 10 offices located throughout Jacksonville, Amelia Island, and Saint Johns, Florida, plus our convenient telehealth appointment option, getting the pediatric care your child needs to grow up healthy has never been easier.
This month we're exploring childhood asthma — and the steps parents and caregivers can take to help keep this health issue from interrupting summer fun.
Childhood asthma basics
Asthma affects about six million children in the United States. An attack — or symptom exacerbation — occurs when some kind of trigger irritates the bronchial tubes that bring air into the lungs, making them swell and generate extra mucus.
The result? Coughing, wheezing, rapid breathing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and fatigue that require quick relief medication through an inhaler.
Common asthma triggers include pollen and other outdoor air irritants, pet dander and dust mites, and colds and other viral infections. In some cases, an asthma attack requires a trip to the emergency department or even hospitalization, so keeping the condition well-controlled is important.
How to prevent asthma flare-ups
The good news? There are a number of steps parents and caregivers can take to help reduce a child’s chance of experiencing an asthma flare-up during vacation. These include:
1. Bring all necessary medications and equipment
Make sure to pack all medications, both those taken daily and rescue meds for quick relief. These should be kept in a bag in the car (not the trunk) or carried on the airplane rather than in checked luggage.
For travel to a different time zone, your child should take daily medications at the local time. Bring a spacer for an inhaler if applicable, and consider getting a portable nebulizer.
2. Take the environment into account
Air on planes can be dry and irritating. Encourage your child to drink water frequently and possibly wear a mask to have less exposure to germs, mold, dust, and fumes. In the car, drive with the windows closed and the air conditioner on whenever pollen or air pollution counts are higher than “healthy” levels.
3. Evaluate lodging situations
If you’re staying with friends or family, ask if they can do a thorough cleaning in advance to reduce your child’s exposure to dust mites and mold, especially where they will sleep. Consider having them bring their own pillow and blanket to have access to hypoallergenic bedding.
If you’re staying in a hotel, ask if they have allergy-free room accommodations. At the very least, always request non-smoking and pet-free accommodations.
4. Don’t forget their asthma action plan
Bring your child’s asthma action plan which should include instructions regarding their medications along with their pediatrician’s name and phone number. Be sure to have your health insurance card, as well.
If traveling abroad, consider getting a letter from our team that describes their condition, medication requirements, and equipment to help navigate security and customs and in case medical help is needed at the destination.
Partner with a pediatrician for successful asthma management
If your child is struggling with asthma or you feel apprehensive about traveling this summer, we can help. Our team can evaluate their current treatment regimen and its effectiveness, discuss ways to prevent an attack while traveling, and provide any documentation you may need.
To learn more, call or click online and schedule a visit at your nearest Angel Kids Pediatrics office in Jacksonville, Amelia Island, or Saint Johns, Florida, today.