Fall is coming, and the seasons are changing. During this time, more children get seasonal asthma. As kids head back to school, colds and other viruses can trigger serious asthma flare-ups and attacks.
For parents, asthma attacks can mean missed school days and, sometimes, trips to the emergency room. You can help stop an attack before it happens. Learn the triggers, the warning signs and how to prevent and manage asthma.
Not sure if your child has asthma? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests talking to your doctor. Asthma can be hard to diagnose in children under age 5. Your doctor may ask:
- Do breathing problems get worse after exercise or during certain seasons?
- Does your child have chest tightness, wheezing or colds that last more than 10 days?
- Has anyone in your family had asthma, allergies or breathing problems?
Your doctor may also use a spirometry test. This test checks how much air your child breathes out after a deep breath. The doctor tests this before and after your child uses asthma medicine.
Watch for these warning signs of an asthma attack. Take them seriously if they get worse:
- Coughing
- Chest tightness
- Wheezing
- Trouble breathing
Watching for these signs can help you control an attack and avoid things that trigger asthma. The CDC also suggests learning about resources and treatments. These can help lower how often attacks happen.
The CDC created a program called CCARE, which stands for Controlling Childhood Asthma Reducing Emergencies. This program helps lower the number of asthmarelated ER visits. Studies show that about 1 in 20 children with asthma end up in the hospital. CCARE works to lower this number by training and educating parents, doctors, teachers, and others.
Aetna Better Health® of Illinois offers a care management team to members. This team includes nurses and social workers who build care plans made just for you. They help you learn about your symptoms and find the services and care you need.
This care management program is optional and free to join. If you want to join call Member Services at 1-866-329-4701 (TTY: 711) and ask to speak with care management. You can find more information about asthma treatment on our site, including details about other chronic diseases.
Together, Aetna Better Health of Illinois wants to give you the information you need to find resources and care for a healthy life. Breathing is essential to life. Take control of asthma by knowing the warning signs and using the care that's available to you.