In terms of looking after our health, it can be an absolute minefield of potions and pills, especially if we are trying to keep symptoms of common conditions at bay. It can be even more challenging when it’s our kids, especially with regards to something as widespread as asthma.
Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases among children, with approximately 1 in 12 children being diagnosed with asthma and the rates steadily increasing over the years because of the environment, allergens, and lifestyle. So what can we do to improve our children’s asthma symptoms? It all begins at home.

Identify and Eliminate Triggers
This is one of the most important tasks because it directly reduces the likelihood of asthma attacks. If your indoor air quality is poor, an HVAC company can help you with the right air filters and help you maintain a clean home environment to reduce common asthma triggers such as pet dander, mold, and dust mites.
Regular cleaning, especially in the bathroom, can significantly decrease the concentration of these allergens, meaning fewer asthma symptoms. Additionally, air purifiers can remove airborne particles that trigger asthma, and proper humidity control will prevent mold growth and reduce dust mites. You should also look at keeping the windows closed, particularly during days of high pollen, as this prevents any outdoor triggers from infiltrating the home.
Create an Asthma Action Plan
For children who are becoming more independent, a written plan can provide clear guidelines for managing asthma, especially during emergencies, and this can help the child understand when and how they should adjust their medication or seek any help, especially if they are prone to asthma attacks. This also means helping them know how to use their medication properly.
It’s amazing how many nurses and doctors prescribe different methods of taking a standard asthma pump. Some recommend that people hold their breath, but others don’t, and therefore recognizing what practices have worked best for your child so far can make a big difference.
Teach and Practice Breathing Exercises
Proper breathing exercises can strengthen the respiratory muscles and improve lung function over time. There are a number of different breathing exercises for asthma, such as diaphragmatic breathing, which focuses on enhancing lung capacity instead of just breathing into the chest.
There are also other types, including pursed-lip breathing and a breathing retraining technique known as the Buteyko method. It’s also important to encourage nasal breathing because our nose is particularly good at filtering particles out of the air.
Encourage a Healthy Diet
We also need to remember that asthma is a type of inflammation, and a diet rich in antioxidants and low in potential triggers can reduce overall inflammation in the body. Supplements such as fish oil and vitamin D have also been thought of as beneficial to those with asthma.
There has been some research suggesting a link between vitamin D deficiency and increased asthma severity, therefore, spending time out in the sun and ensuring adequate vitamin D levels through supplementation can improve overall lung function.
When it comes to improving our children’s asthma symptoms, home is the best place to begin.
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