Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) January 30, 2014
Flu season can be a painful time of year for any parent, but when their child has asthma, it can cause even greater anxiety. The complications that arise from the flu could cause a multitude of reactions in a child with asthma or more seriously, an asthma emergency. It helps to know exactly what the flu is, what symptoms should be monitored in an asthmatic child, and what to do about the flu. This flu season, LivingWithAsthma.net has become a one-stop-shop for parents of asthmatic children for tips, shared information, and doctor advice.
What is the Flu?
The flu is a virus that comes in a variety of types. The flu itself is not deadly, however, when a child has a chronic respiratory condition such as asthma, the risk of the complications of the flu is increased. Pneumonia is the most common complication to arise in asthmatic children and can lead to great difficulty breathing, or even hospitalization. For this reason, it is recommended that asthmatic children receive the flu shot every year to fight off the year’s active strains.
Symptoms of Flu
Unfortunately, the symptoms of the flu and asthma attacks can be similar. A child may have increased difficulty breathing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Mucus is another sure sign of the flu, and can congest the head or lungs. In addition, a fever is often seen, usually clocking at over 101 degrees Fahrenheit. Each of these symptoms increases the chances of triggering asthma related complications. If an asthma attack occurs while the child has the flu, the attack is likely to be greater and more serious, ultimately emergency treatment may be necessary.
Prevention and Treatment
The best treatment for the flu in an asthmatic child is prevention. For this reason, it is vitally important to get them the flu shot every year to combat the active strains. If the child does get the flu, don’t panic. Take them to the pediatrician. In some cases they can provide anti-viral medications and the flu can be managed with these medications and close monitoring of the child’s symptoms. Avoid any known asthma triggers while they fight off the flu and be sure to have rescue inhalers and nebulizers readily available. Watch the child for signs of an asthma emergency such as difficulty catching their breath, anxiety, blue lips, and retractions around the ribs, which all require that an emergency medical professional should evaluate their condition.
For more information on how the flu affects asthmatic children, visit http://www.livingwithasthma.net, or click the links to specific articles below.
- How to Survive the Flu When Your Child Has Asthma - http://www.livingwithasthma.net/how-to-survive-the-flu-when-your-child-has-asthma/.
- Flu Season Recipe: Chicken Soup for the Soul and Asthmatic Lungs - http://www.livingwithasthma.net/flu-season-recipe-chicken-soup-for-the-soul-and-asthmatic-lungs/.
- Asthma House Calls: Dr. Francisca Yao on Colds, Flu Season and Viruses - http://www.livingwithasthma.net/asthma-house-calls-dr-francisca-yao-colds-flu-season-viruses/.
- Asthma and Flu Shots: What You Need to Know - http://www.livingwithasthma.net/asthma-and-flu-shots-what-you-need-to-know/.
About LivingWithAsthma.net:
LivingWithAsthma.net is the premier online community seeking to empower families of children with asthma. It covers topics from one mother to another, including home remedies, practical lifestyle changes that can reduce triggers, medication reviews and more. LivingWithAsthma.net seeks to raise awareness for the disease and create a community forum for mothers to discuss their experiences and triumphs in living with an asthmatic child.
Media Contact: Nicole Worley, Melrose PR, Nicole(at)melrosepr(dot)com, (310) 260-7901, http://www.melrosepr.com