MILWAUKEE, June 3 /PRNewswire/ -- With school out for the summer, children
across the country will be taking to the community pools, baseball fields and
other outdoor venues for some fun in the sun. But for the 20 million children
in the United States suffering from asthma, it's important that parents not
let their child's asthma management take a vacation as well.
"Parents need to be observant of their child's asthma management
especially during the summer months when children tend to be more active and
outdoors," said James L. Sublett, MD, and Fellow of the American Academy of
Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI). "But if parents work with their child
to take the proper precautions there is no reason why their child can't enjoy
everything the summer months have to offer."
Whether it's swimming at the local pool, heading off to summer camp or
playing in the backyard, the AAAAI offers the following asthma tips to help
parents manage their child's asthma:
-- Try not to exercise outside when pollen counts are high, this could
aggravate your child's asthma - check out the National Allergy Bureau
Web site for pollen counts in your area, http://www.aaaai.org/nab .
-- Consult with an allergist/immunologist to ensure your child is taking
the proper medication and notify them if reactions to medications
occur.
-- Make sure your child properly stretches and warms up before
exercising, takes breaks during, and cools down afterward. Instruct
them to drink plenty of fluids as well.
-- Make sure your child always carries an asthma inhaler, so they are
prepared for any trigger that may cross their path.
-- If your child is going to summer camp, meet with camp counselors to
ensure proper asthma management.
-- When building a fire, make sure your asthmatic child sits farther away
and out of the wind so the smoke does not irritate their lungs.
-- Check your area for ragweed, mold and any other triggers that can
affect your child's asthma.
-- Pay attention to Ozone Alerts in your area. High temperatures
combined with pollution can pose a health problem for children with
asthma.
See your allergist/immunologist
The AAAAI urges parents to work with an allergist/immunologist to develop
an effective management plan for their child's asthma. An
allergist/immunologist is the best-qualified medical professional trained to
manage the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of allergies and asthma.
To find an allergist/immunologist in your area or to learn more about
asthma and allergies, call the AAAAI Physician Referral and Information Line
at 1-800-822-2762 or visit the AAAAI Web site at http://www.aaaai.org .
AAAAI Topic of the Month
The topic of the month for June on the AAAAI Web site is "Enjoy Summer
Vacation with Allergies and Asthma." The topic serves to educate the public
by offering:
-- Ways to enjoy the summer weather
-- Information on stinging insects
-- Advice on being active
-- Tips for eating away from home
-- How to travel safely
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