Reducing Your Child's Risk fo... Health Article

Asthma in children, especially in preschoolers, is becoming increasingly more common in the United States. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), millions of children have this condition, in which airways become inflamed and narrowed.

Although there is no cure for asthma, you can do things as a parent to reduce the severity of your child's asthma and minimize full-blown attacks, says AAFA spokeswoman Bonita W. Wilson, M.D., a board-certified allergist in Morganton, N.C., and a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

Breast-feeding helps

"Studies suggest breast-feeding can reduce the severity of asthma in children who later develop it," says Dr. Wilson.

The AAP generally recommends breast-feeding for a year. If that isn't realistic, try to breast-feed for at least the first two months of your child's life.

Reduce dust mites

Dust mites are microscopic, spiderlike creatures that inhabit carpeting, mattresses, pillows, box springs, stuffed toys and draperies. They thrive in high humidity on flakes of human skin. It isn't the mites but their droppings that commonly cause year-round allergic reactions in children. If your child is allergic to dust mite droppings, inhaling them causes inflammation of the airways. If dust mites are present, your child's asthma may become worse or your child may have an acute asthma attack.

To control dust mites in your home, eliminate carpeting and draperies where feasible.  Safer replacements include tile or wood floors and vertical blinds. Wash your child's pillow weekly. Wash bedding in water that's at least 130 degrees F. Dry bedding in a hot dryer for one hour to kill dust mites. Although killing dust mites does not remove the droppings, it does reduce their amount. Covering mattresses, box springs and pillows in airtight, zippered plastic or special allergen-proof fabric covers can help. If stuffed toys are a must, wash them monthly in hot water.

Also, if necessary, lower the humidity level in your home to 30 to 50 percent by using a dehumidifier. High humidity increases the risk of your child's exposure to these allergens.

Risks and benefits of a pet

If your child has asthma, avoid furry pets of any kind, including cats, dogs, ferrets, rabbits and gerbils. If you do have a pet, follow these tips from the American Lung Association (ALA) to reduce pet dander, which can trigger an asthma attack:

• Keep pets out of the child's bedroom.

• Bathe a dog or cat every week to reduce the amount of dander produced.

• If a pet insists on spending time on the couch, cover the couch with a removable, washable slipcover.

• Regularly wash walls and floors.

• Use a high-efficiency furnace filter and replace it every two to three months. A high-efficiency filter removes up to 30 times more pet dander than a standard filter. Also consider installing an electrostatic filter in conjunction with your high-efficiency furnace filter. This will reduce pollen, dust and some bacteria and fungi.

Eliminate secondhand smoke

Secondhand smoke increases a child's risk for respiratory conditions, such as asthma. Moreover, "one of the more common reasons for chronic coughing in childhood is exposure to parental cigarette smoke," says Dr. Wilson.

If you can't quit smoking, reduce your child's health risks from secondhand smoke by smoking outside and having others do the same. Smoke from cooking also can trigger an asthma attack in children.

To keep the air in your home as clean as possible, keep windows open, when possible, to allow air to circulate. Use an air conditioner to filter out smoke particles at other times. You can also get rid of tobacco smoke particles, as well as dust and mold spores, by using a high-efficiency filter or an electrostatic filter.

Other tips for limiting asthma triggers

Try these suggestions from the ALA:

• Control cockroaches. Roach droppings trigger asthma attacks in sensitive children. Dead roaches and droppings can be difficult to remove. Clean your home thoroughly and exterminate when necessary. Keep food out of bedrooms and clean up edible remains.

• Avoid strong odors and perfumes. Odors that can trigger an allergic reaction include perfumes, room deodorizers, cleaning products and paints.

• Avoid talcum powder, the particles can irritate the airways.

• If you have fireplace, don't use it. Wood smoke from wood stoves and fireplaces often triggers allergic symptoms.

• Keep indoor mold at a minimum. Clean bathrooms, kitchens and basements to eliminate molds that grow in high humidity. Use a dehumidifier where possible to keep humidity low.