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Did you know there are lesser-known signs that may surprise you?
Watch for these early warning signs:
What should you do if your child shows any of these signs? Use a peak-flow meter to monitor to see if your child's airways are narrow or blocked. If the peak-flow value is low, or other asthma symptoms like wheezing appear, it's time to use a quick-relief or rescue medicine (called bronchodilators). These drugs help relax the muscles in your child’s airways, making breathing easier.
Make sure you always have an Asthma Action Plan. The plan should outline steps to help your child during an asthma flare up. Share the plan at your child’s school and with any caregivers, including grandparents and babysitters.
Get help if you see any of these warning signs. They could mean your child’s asthma is getting worse. Talk to your child’s doctor if:
Keep a daily log of your child’s peak-flow meter readings so you can tell if it is low or varies day-to-day. Your doctor may also ask you to track these readings for a couple of weeks leading up to an office visit.
A change in medicine or other steps might help get your child’s asthma symptoms under control.
If your child has any of these symptoms, call 911 right away:
Originally published: 6/30/2016; Revised 2020, 2021