With the onset of colder weather and fewer daylight hours, your child cannot be blamed for wanting to spend more time indoors. However, your home can be full of allergens with dust, smoke, household chemicals and even the dead skin cells of pets affecting their wellbeing.
Venturing outdoors may not help your young ones avoid increased symptoms, as the level of airborne allergens, such as pollen and mould, is also high at this time of year.
And with flu season in full swing, you could find yourself wondering how you can keep them healthy during the autumn months.
But there is good news. By taking a few simple precautions you can help keep your child healthy and their asthma flare-ups to a minimum.
Flu jabs are now widely available from doctors’ surgeries and patients in risk groups, such as those with asthma, are usually invited to have the vaccination. As children with asthma are more likely than most to need hospital treatment if they get the flu, it is important your child takes up this invitation as early as possible.
By making sure the home is as clean as possible and finding indoor activities to occupy your children on days when the pollen count is high, you can also help to reduce the risk of asthma symptoms.
Air filters and cleaners in the home are also a good idea if you are looking for ways to minimise the risk.
One of the best ways to ensure your child avoids flare-ups is encouraging them to use their medications on a regular basis. Regular use of these drugs can help suppress the inflammation of the airways which causes attacks.
By taking these few simple precautions you can make autumn a more comfortable and healthy season for your child.