If your child has asthma, you know it can be frightening. You have to be careful about what they're doing and where they're going, and sometimes it can feel like their asthma is controlling everyone's life. The good news is that there are things you can do to control their asthma and keep it from taking over. Here are four tips for keeping your child's asthma under control.

1. Get an Asthma Action Plan

If you don't already have one, get an Asthma Action Plan from your doctor. This written plan tells you what to do when your child's asthma is under control, when it's starting to flare up, and when they are having an asthma attack. Knowing what to do in each situation will quell your fears and help you keep your child's asthma under control.

2. Take Your Medications as Prescribed

This seems like a no-brainer, but it's important to give your child their medications exactly as prescribed. Don't skip doses, and don't let them stop taking them just because they're feeling better. If you do, they are more likely to have a flare-up. It is important to note that regular prescription medicines can be expensive. If you're having trouble paying for the medication that your child needs, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. There are often programs that can help.

3. Avoid Triggers

Different things can trigger asthma symptoms for different people, so it's important to figure out what your child's triggers are so you can steer clear of them. Some common triggers include:

• Dust mites
• Pollen
• Mold
• Pet dander
• Smoke
• Strong smells
• Cold air
• Exercise
• Food allergies

If you're unsure what triggers your child's asthma, talk to your doctor, an allergist, or an immunologist. They can help you figure everything out.

4. Know What to Do During an Asthma Attack

If your child is having an asthma attack, stay calm. You first need to have them sit down with their head propped up so they can breathe more easily. Then have them take two puffs of their rescue inhaler. If that doesn't help after a few minutes, or if the symptoms start worsening, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

Asthma can be scary, but there are things you can do to keep it under control. By following these tips, you can keep your child's asthma from taking over your life. Reach out to a doctor to learn more about asthma treatment.