Breathing Easy: A Parent's Guide to Managing Childhood Asthma
In Canada, over 850,000 children under the age of 14 live with asthma, making it the third most common chronic disease. Approximately 317 Canadians are diagnosed with asthma every single day, with at least two-thirds of cases being diagnosed before 18 years old. It significantly impacts their daily lives, from frequent school absences to being one of the leading causes of hospitalization.
Managing asthma takes effort, but effective asthma management can empower children to participate in daily activities and achieve their goals.
Nutrition
Good nutrition is like a superhero in the fight against asthma. Did you know that a healthy diet can make a world of difference?
Encouraging your child to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and plant proteins can help manage their symptoms.
A study from 1997, published in the journal Thorax, found that children who ate fresh fruit regularly had better lung function, specifically showing improved forced expiratory volume (FEV1), an important measure of lung function.
Research has also shown some fascinating findings:
- Vitamin D: Try to incorporate regular and protected exposure to sunlight, as well as fortified cereals and non-dairy milks (soy and oatmeal) into your everyday routine. Consider supplements if your child is deficient.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in flaxseeds and walnuts, these may have anti-inflammatory effects for asthma.
- Antioxidants: Foods rich in antioxidants, like berries and leafy greens, can reduce oxidative stress, potentially alleviating asthma symptoms.
It's also important to manage food allergies that might trigger asthma. Some kids might negatively react to sulfites in processed foods. In fact, a study published by Murray et. al demonstrated that cow's milk can cause wheezing in children with asthma, suggesting the need for careful dietary management.
Physical Activity
Physical activity is essential for all kids, including those with asthma. For instance, Westergren et al. found that a 6 week exercise intervention with children exercising twice a week for 60 minutes each day improved health-related quality of life and reduced asthma symptoms in children aged 10-12.
Regular exercise can strengthen their lungs and overall health. The key is to find the right activities that they enjoy and can safely do, while managing their triggers.
Consider the following factors provided by Asthma Canada:
Restorative Sleep
Sleep is essential for managing asthma. Poor sleep can promote inflammation and worsen asthma symptoms. Studies show that children who get fewer than six hours of sleep per night experience more frequent asthma attacks and poorer health-related quality of life compared to those who get the recommended amount of sleep.
This is all to say that ensuring good sleep hygiene is a critical component of asthma management.
Discover how to create the ideal sleep environment for your child by exploring our comprehensive blog post on sleep!
Positive Social Connections
Building a supportive network for your child is vital.
Research indicates that social support can significantly impact asthma management. A study published in the Journal of International Nursing Studies found that family empowerment programs decreased parental stress, increased family function, and improved pulmonary function (PEF and FEV1) in children with asthma.
Take a look at the following factors to creating a supportive environment for your child:
- Comprehensive asthma education for both children and caregivers can reduce anxiety and improve coping mechanisms.
- Develop personalized asthma action plans that are easy for your child to understand and follow.
- Encourage family involvement in monitoring symptoms and treatment protocols.
- School-based interventions and community programs can also provide additional support.
Stress Resilience
Stress can exacerbate asthma symptoms, so managing stress is important. In fact, a meta-analysis of 34 prospective cohort studies by Chida et al. found a positive association between psychosocial stress and the risk of developing asthma and other disorders. This highlights the importance of addressing psychological factors in asthma management.
Acute stress may reduce airway inflammation, but chronic stress can worsen it. So, try to incorporate stress management strategies and consider psychological support; such as cognitive-behavioural therapy and progressive muscle relaxation, to address anxiety related to asthma.
Learn more about progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) here!
Takeaway
By focusing on the recommendations above, you can help your child manage their asthma effectively and improve their overall quality of life. With the right strategies, your child can lead a happy and healthy life!