Breathing Easy: A Parent's Guide to Managing Childhood Asthma
Asthma affects more than 850,000 Canadian children under the age of 14, making it the third most common chronic disease among youth. With 317 Canadians diagnosed with asthma daily, and two-thirds of cases diagnosed before the age of 18, managing asthma early is crucial to reduce hospitalizations and disruptions to children’s lives. Effective asthma care enables children to live active, fulfilling lives.
The Role of Nutrition in Managing Asthma
Encouraging your child to enjoy a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and plant-based proteins can play an important role in managing their symptoms and promoting better health.
A study by Cook et al., found that children who regularly consumed fresh fruit had better lung function, with higher forced expiratory volume (FEV1), a key indicator of respiratory health.
Research highlights several nutritional factors that support respiratory health and help manage asthma symptoms:
- Vitamin D: Adequate levels can reduce inflammation, support immune function, and may help manage asthma by reducing the frequency and severity of flare-ups. Incorporate fortified foods and supplements into your child’s diet as needed, and encourage regular but safe sun exposure to support healthy vitamin D levels.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in flaxseed and walnuts, these healthy fats may reduce airway inflammation and improve lung function. A study found that higher Omega-3 index levels were linked to improved asthma control.
- Antioxidants: Berries and leafy greens lower oxidative stress, which may relieve asthma symptoms. Studies show that adults with low-antioxidant diets have reduced lung function and higher inflammation compared to those with antioxidant-rich diets - suggesting potential benefits across all ages
Food-Allergy Awareness: Certain foods, such as cow's milk, can trigger asthma-related wheezing, requiring careful monitoring. Opting for dairy-free alternatives can help reduce potential triggers and support better asthma management.
Physical Activity
Exercise improves health-related quality of life, including those with asthma . A 6-week intervention where children exercised twice a week for 60 minutes improved asthma symptoms in children aged 10-12.
Finding enjoyable activities that minimize exposure to triggers—like swimming or indoor sports—helps maintain healthy lungs.
Consider the following factors provided by Asthma Canada:
Prioritizing Restful Sleep
Poor sleep can worsen asthma symptoms by promoting inflammation. Nearly 40% of children with asthma experience sleep disruptions, which can lead to more frequent asthma attacks, often causing them to get less than six hours of sleep each night.
Creating a consistent sleep routine, limiting screens before bedtime, and ensuring a quiet, dark environment can improve sleep quality and symptom control. Explore our comprehensive blog post on sleep to learn more!
Positive Social Connections
Strong social networks can reduce stress and significantly improve asthma management. Programs that involve families in asthma education enhance treatment adherence and reduce parental stress, which, in turn, improves lung function (PEF and FEV1) in children with asthma by creating a supportive environment where children thrive.
Key Factors in Creating a Supportive Environment for Your Child:
- Provide comprehensive asthma education for both children and caregivers to reduce anxiety and improve coping skills.
- Develop personalized asthma action plans that are simple for your child to understand and follow.
- Involve the whole family in monitoring symptoms and progress with treatment
- Leverage school-based interventions and community programs to offer additional support and resources.
Stress Management for Symtom Control
Managing chronic stress is imperative since it can worsen asthma symptoms. Chida’s analysis across 34 studies found that psychosocial stress was linked to an increased risk of developing asthma and other disorders.
Incorporating stress management techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy and relaxation exercises, such as progressive muscle relaxation, improves outcomes by addressing psychological triggers.
Learn more about progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) here.
Takeaways
By focusing on these strategies, you can help your child manage asthma effectively. With the right support and a personalized care plan, children with asthma can thrive in everyday activities.
Reset Research Team: Lawrentina D'Souza, Alexa Gavrilidis, Deeksha Kumar, Reisa Herbert, Julia Tuccitto