First tip: The great thing about asthma is that if you learn to control it, asthma  won’t control you. Some kids ask us why they have to take the controller inhaler when their asthma doesn’t seem to be acting up. This is because using that controller every day is the best way to get a “handle” on asthma; it keeps swelling and mucous away.

Grief Relief: With that control, you shouldn’t have to get out your reliever inhaler as often. But when you do need it, don’t be embarrassed. After all, it really is a relief. And consider: almost 1 out of 10 kids have asthma; you aren’t alone!

Friends: Talk to close friends about your asthma and why you take medication. In your class, you may also be surprised to discover how many kids have medication for asthma or other health issues.

Puffer: If you do need your reliever inhaler, it will work best if you use a spacer. Why? More medicine will get down into your lungs. If you’re not comfortable with your current inhaler/puffer, speak to a parent about seeing an asthma educator and your doctor, and possibly switching to a different medication. There are dry powder inhalers available that work without a spacer. Remember, getting the medicine into your lungs helps you control the asthma with the goal of using less medication. Control means you are active and doing things you love – hanging out with friends, playing sports – or maybe a guitar.

*Certified Respiratory Educators and Certified Asthma Educators help patients gain control of asthma, and COPD. For more information about the educators, visit the Canadian Network for Respiratory Care (CNRC) at www.cnrchome.net. Ingrid Baerg, RN, CAE and Angela Alexander, RN, CAE work at the Asthma Education Clinic at B.C. Children’s Hospital.

Pat Steele, CRE: Molds are spores produced by certain fungi. They exist in humid places both indoors and outside. The most important step you can take to help your son is to avoid the trigger.

Keep your windows closed when the humidity is high. Your son should also avoid activities such as raking and playing in the leaves or mowing the lawn, as molds in the damp leaves and grass can be
disturbed and become airborne.

If this isn’t always possible, he should wear a mask during these activities. Inside, also watch the moisture control in the bathroom and basement.

*Certified Respiratory Educators and Certified Asthma Educators help patients gain control of asthma, and COPD. For more information about the educators, visit the Canadian Network for Respiratory Care (CNRC) at www.cnrchome.net. Pat Steele is a registered nurse and Certified Respiratory Educator* at the Cape Breton Chest Clinic in Sydney, Nova Scotia.