Each year, many children with asthma report experiencing restrictions in many of their daily activities such as going to school, playing, or participating in sports. Most of the time, it doesn't have to be the status quo.

Studies have found out that children who take part in school-based asthma education programs usually have decreased asthma flare-ups and reduced hospitalizations. (Also see Chapter 11.) At a minimum, each school-aged child should know that managing her asthma means:

• Taking medications as prescribed. Generally, many individuals with asthma will need two types of medication. One is a quick-acting medication that relaxes airways and is taken when symptoms flare up. The second medication is referred to as a controller medication and is used daily to decrease inflammation in the airways.

• Taking medication when prescribed. Sometimes a child may skip taking her medication because she feels okay. She should understand that she feels better because of the medication. She should not take medication only when she feels an asthma flare-up coming on.

• Monitoring breathing. A peak flow meter can keep track of how well air is moving through the lungs. It can detect when asthma symptoms are becoming a problem — and airways are inflamed — by flagging a lowered breathing rate on the peak flow meter.

• Detecting early warning signs of asthma. Coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath may point to some potential asthma problems ahead if not addressed now. Some additional early warning signs of an asthma episode can include:throat clearing; irritation, tickle, or itchiness in the throat; frequent sighing; resting frequently or less active than normal; not able to keep up with friends; listlessness; cold symptoms; allergy symptoms; and coughing at night. Everyone's early warning signs are unique, but knowing them can help you act early enough to prevent an asthma episode.

• Detecting triggers. From not exercising outside in cold weather to avoiding secondhand tobacco smoke, a child can stop most of her asthma symptoms in their tracks.

• Knowing when to seek additional help. When symptoms are flaring up, she should know when to ask for assistance from adults including you, a caretaker, a teacher, or a coach. The child should also know the names of her medicines, when she usually takes them, and when they were last taken.

• Participating in sports and other activities. While exercise-induced asthma is common among children with asthma, there are steps she can take — from warm-ups and hydration to medication — to play comfortably. This should be done with advice from her health care provider.

• Partnering with her “team.” While asthma is a chronic condition experienced by one person, it takes a team — including parents, health care providers, teachers, coaches, and school nurses — to understand and manage asthma every day.

Still, children often will have a hard time understanding why they have to take medicine every day — even when they feel fine. This is where you can play an important role by helping them develop a regular regimen. This could be keeping a chart that your child marks off when she takes her asthma medication. Or perhaps, offering rewards as incentive — especially for younger children — to keep track of their medication schedules.

Through these processes, children with asthma are learning that information is power. Along with asthma action plans and asthma diaries, they can find out that asthma is not just a chronic disease that can hit randomly at any time, but a disease that follows a pattern and can be controlled.

Hopefully, your child can find that each day. She can feel more empowered about tackling asthma — rather than worrying about asthma tackling her.