Asthma Control

You will be more successful helping a child learn to control asthma if you include family members, your doctor, your child's teachers, coaches etc.  Asthma control is a two-step process.  

The first is to identify and then decrease or eliminate exposure to the things that make asthma worse (Asthma Triggers).

The second approach is to take preventer/controller medication (usually inhaled corticosteroids) to help heal the swelling and limit mucous production in the airways.

 An Asthma Action Plan can help.

Strive for complete control of your asthma (no symptoms, day or night).  When asthma is under control, it has very little impact on you or your child's day-to-day life.  Asthma is in control when:

Daytime symptoms happen less than 3 days/week

No night-time symptoms

Normal physical activity is not limited

You are not missing school or work

You need reliever medication less than 4 times/week (except 1 dose/day for exercise)

Last Updated June 2009