Written action plan needed for child with asthma

A written action plan for a healthcare provider and anyone who cares for a child with asthma is essential, a U.S. lung expert recommends. Dr. James Kiley, a lung diseases expert at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md., advised parents to "prepare a written action plan for your healthcare provider and anyone who cares for your child, so you know what to do on a daily basis to control their asthma and how to handle asthma attacks." "So when something goes wrong, and there's a flare-up, these are things that you need to know what to do instantly," Kiley said in a statement. Kiley recommended every child with asthma should have quick relief medication to treat symptoms promptly when they occur. Many children also need daily medication to control asthma and prevent symptoms and flare-ups, he said. "Asthma checkups are important to have every six months so you and your healthcare provider can be sure your child's asthma stays in good control," Kiley added.