The long, holiday weekend means summer vacation time is here and parents need to make sure there’s no break in their child’s Asthma management, says the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI).

“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,” Dr. James L. Sublett, Fellow of the AAAAI, said in a prepared statement.

“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,” Sublett added.

The AAAAI offers the following tips to help parents manage kids’ asthma this summer:

Try to prevent your child from exercising outside when pollen counts are high, which could aggravate your child’s asthma.

Consult with an allergist/immunologist to ensure your child is taking the proper asthma medication. Notify these specialists if your child suffers a reaction to medications.

Your child should stretch and warm up before exercise or activities, take breaks during, and cool down afterward. They should drink plenty of fluids.

Your child should always carry an asthma inhaler, so they’re prepared for any asthma trigger they may encounter.

If your child is attending summer camp, meet with camp counselors to ensure proper Asthma management.

When you have a campfire, asthmatic children should sit farther away and upwind so that the smoke doesn’t irritate their lungs.

Check your area for mold, ragweed and other Asthma triggers.

Watch for ozone alerts, which can pose a health problem for children with Asthma.

More information

The American Lung Association has more about childhood asthma.

SOURCE: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, news release, June 2005~CDEV~~ASTH~~BHVR~~EMOT~