January Asthma Helpline Case Study
Sarah, a professional child minder called the Asthma Helpline for advice on if her home environment was a trigger for asthma.
I have started a new job as a child minder. I care for a 18 month old child in my home, Monday to Friday. My husband smokes. We have a cat and a rabbit which live indoors. I am worried as the child is chesty on occasions since September which coincides with the commencement of my new job. Have we caused this child to have asthma?
Asthma Helpline Advice: A diagnosis of asthma can be difficult to obtain in children under the age of 2. At least 1 child in 5 will have “wheezing” during their early years but do not necessarily go on to develop asthma. A diagnosis is usually made on a pattern of symptoms over a period of time. It will be based on; Family history, pattern of symptoms, physical examination of the chest, in older children a breathing test and a trial of treatment. A number of triggers can cause wheezing and coughing in this age group, particularly infection with respiratory viruses.
Different children react to different triggers which parents or carers can gradually recognise and would be beneficial to eliminate these triggers if it is possible. Passive smoking may cause health problems for anyone. It might be appropriate to confine smoking to one area in your house where you and the child don’t enter. Even better would be to urge the smokers to maintain a complete smoke free house and smoke only outside of the house. Stopping smoking of course would be the best advice! If your husband was willing or able to be persuaded, his GP can offer assistance in the form of nicotine replacement therapy or other therapies or strategies to help quit. Alternatively one can contact the National Smokers Quitline on 1850201203.
Some children with asthma are allergic to furry animals and occasionally birds. It would be best to keep the pets out of the area where you will be caring for the child. Frequent washing of the pets is also recommended.
I would suggest you take the appropriate measures as outlined above and have a discussion with the child’s mother expressing your concerns.
Watch “An Asthma Friendly Home” Video
Watch “Asthma Triggers in the Home” Video
The Asthma Helpline is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10am to 1pm on 1850 44 54 64.
