6 Safe Summer Tips for Kids with Asthma

Are you ready for summer vacation? If your child has asthma, it’s very important to make sure you continue their treatment through the summer months, even if they aren’t having symptoms.

Considering that hospitalizations and ER visits tend to spike in the fall when school resumes, summer is a very crucial time for parents to help protect their child’s health before a new school year.

Help your child enjoy a great summer with these tips:

• Make sure your child takes their asthma medications every day to prevent a greater risk of serious asthma symptoms in the fall.

• Schedule an asthma check-up now with your child’s healthcare provider to adjust asthma medications, check inhaler technique, revisit daily management instructions, and get an updated written asthma action plan (AAP) to keep at home and school.

• Know and avoid your child’s particular asthma triggers, which may include colds or viruses, tobacco smoke, pollen, outdoor air pollution, wood smoke, mold, dander from animals, and cold air. Some children experience asthma flares with sports or outdoor activities.

• Be smart about physical activity and have your child carry their rescue inhaler during runs, workouts and team practices. Avoid having your child outdoors on days with a poor air quality alert.

• If your child is going to any summer camp, tell them about your child’s asthma and triggers, give them a copy of the AAP along with any medications.

• If your family plans to travel this summer, be sure to pack all asthma medications, check that inhalers are full and not expiring before the trip is complete.