Let Your Kids Do the Talking

Children with asthma too often keep quiet during doctor’s office visits and let their parents speak for them, studies say.

This can sometimes lead to a disconnect. Parents may describe their child’s asthma symptoms or quality of life in worse terms than they actually are.

It’s important that children be active participants – alongside their parents – when going to the doctor and “talk freely” about their asthma.

One way to encourage your child to speak up? Before the appointment, ask your child to come up with a list of questions or concerns about their asthma management. Then pose questions the doctor may ask.

Here are some conversation-starters:

• “My asthma flares up during exercise.” – This indicates that symptoms are not well controlled.
• “My symptoms are worse when I’m outside or indoors.” – Allergens such as pollen, mold, dust mites or pet dander could be the cause.
• “I’m missing too much school because of my asthma.” – Children under the care of a board-certified allergist see a 77 percent reduction in school absences due to asthma.
• “My asthma has gone away. Can I stop taking medication?” – There is no cure for asthma, so even if symptoms are no longer bothersome, continue to use medication as prescribed.
• “I feel left out of activities because of my asthma.” — Anyone with asthma should be able to feel well and be active. No one should accept less.