An older child or a child who has had previous asthma attacks may be able to feel an attack coming on. If a child tells you directly that she “can’t breathe” or is having trouble breathing, don't ignore it! During milder phases of an asthma attack, the child may wheeze, although in the severe stages this may or may not be present. A child having an asthma attack may also report chest pain or a tight feeling in the chest. Chest pain is common during asthma attacks because as air gets trapped in narrowed airways, the pressure in the chest can rise.  Because the airway is constricted, you might also notice decreased breath sounds. A young child or one who's never had an attack before may not know how to describe or report shortness of breath or chest pain. Instead, she might panic and describe symptoms vaguely: "I feel strange" or "sick." Watch asthmatic children closely for observable clues of an attack, like shallow breathing or wheezing. Don't assume that a child is not having an asthma attack just because she doesn't report breathing trouble or chest pain. Most children with asthma begin showing signs by the age of 5, when they will start reacting poorly to their asthma triggers.An asthma trigger is anything that can cause symptoms to flare up. Triggers can vary from child to child, so be aware of the things that can cause an attack for your child, especially when you suspect one coming on. Some triggers (like dust mites and pet fur) can be eliminated, but others (like air pollution) have to be monitored as best as possible. Common triggers include:  Pet fur: either vacuum or damp-mop regularly to remove fur from your home. Dust mites: use mattress and pillow covers to protect the child from dust mites, wash bedding often, avoid putting stuffed animals in your child's room, and avoid pillows or quilts that use down feathers. Cockroaches: cockroaches and their droppings are a common asthma trigger. To discourage cockroaches in your home, don't leave food or water out. Sweep up all crumbs and food particles immediately, and clean the home regularly. Consult an exterminator for pest control advice. Mold: mold is caused by humidity, so use a hygrometer to check how humid your home environment is. Use a dehumidifier to keep the environment moisture and mold-free. Smoke: any smoke — from tobacco to wood smoke — can trigger an asthma attack.  Even if you step outdoors to smoke, the smoke that lingers on your clothing and hair puts your child at risk. Certain foods: Eggs, milk, peanuts, soy products, wheat, fish, shellfish, salads, and fresh fruits are all known to trigger asthma attacks in children who are allergic to them.  Air pollution or extreme changes in weather Keeping the environment clean of asthma triggers might not be enough. When children get highly emotional — whether sad, happy, frightened, etc. — they are at a higher risk of asthma attack. Similarly, too much exercise might cause the child to get winded and take deep, gulping breaths that can trigger an asthma attack. Viral or bacterial upper or lower respiratory infections can trigger asthma attacks.  Be sure to have your child evaluated by a pediatrician if she shows signs of a respiratory infection. She may need medication to manage the symptoms of the infection or to help it go away more quickly. Be aware that antibiotics treat bacterial infections.  Viral respiratory infections may need to be approached from a management perspective rather than a treatment perspective.
انتبه إلى إحساس الطفل بأيّة مشكلة بالتنفس. تعامل مع شكوى آلام الصدر بجدية. افهم حدود طفلك المرضية. انتبه إلى العوامل البيئية المحفزة. راقب تصرفات الطفل. اهتم بعلاج عدوى الجهاز التنفسي بشكل صائب.