Q: I’ve heard that kids with asthma should start their medications before school starts in anticipation of the cold season. What do you advise?
A: Any child with a diagnosis of asthma, especially if the child has frequent or persistent symptoms, should have an asthma action plan.
Some children are especially susceptible to wheezing when they catch a cold at school, especially in the late fall or winter months. These children usually start their controller medications before the start of the fall and winter respiratory infection season.
If your child has a diagnosis of asthma and you don’t have an asthma action plan that’s been updated in the last 12 months, please talk with your primary-care clinician.
Your child will likely do better this year in school — especially if he or she is in any sports — if you stick with the plan.
It may even help to save you from a late night or weekend trip into the emergency department to urgently treat a severe case of wheezing.
