With the proper treatment and avoidance of triggers, your child's asthma should be well managed. But, unfortunately, there may be times when this isn't the case. And since asthma is a serious condition that could potentially be life threatening, it's important to figure out a plan of action now. This way, you'll be better able to deal with an attack, should one arise.

Common warning signs of a child's asthma attack:

• Faster, irregular, or pursed-lip breathing
• Shortness of breath
• Throat clearing
• Wheezing
• Coughing, even if your child doesn't have a cold
• Vomiting
• Difficulty sleeping or unusual tiredness
• Drop in peak flow reading
• A sinking-in of the notch below your child's Adam's apple when your child breathes in
• A sinking-in of the spaces between the ribs when your child breathes in
• Flaring nostrils when breathing
• A look of anxiety
• Paleness or sweating

Common warning signs that should make you get medical attention immediately:

• Speaking difficulties
• Gray or blue lips or fingernails
• Fast heart rate
• Quick-relief (rescue) medicine fails to help
• Peak flow reading is in the red zone

Of course, not everyone has the same warning signs or symptoms. So talk to your child's doctor about what you should look for.

How to monitor breathing symptoms

Listen to your child breathe by placing your ear next to his or her back while putting your hand on your child's chest. You'll notice that the chest goes up and down when inhaling and exhaling. If you hear any uncommon noises, it could be a sign to seek help. On the other hand, if you don't notice any noises and your child is experiencing symptoms, call the doctor immediately.

How to handle an attack

The first step in managing any warning symptoms is to calm your child down. Then give your child any recommended medications the doctor has prescribed for these symptoms. You shouldn't give your child any medications or additional dosages that were not authorized by the doctor. If you know what triggered the attack, move your child away from it.

It's also important to plan ahead for emergency care. The printable asthma guide is a good place to start. It's a valuable form you can fill out and share with your child's teachers, coaches, schools, nurses, and friends' parents to help them understand how to help your child deal with his or her asthma.

The emergency contact list below is also useful for planning ahead. Just print this list, fill it out, post it, and share it with others.

Asthma Emergency Contact List

Healthcare professional's name:
Office address:
Telephone number:
Instructions regarding when to go to the emergency room:
Local emergency numbers:
Nearest hospital:
Name of closest relative to contact:
Relative's telephone number:
Other information:

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