Introduction
So your doctor told you that your child has asthma. Well, you're in good company. In some areas of California, up to 20 percent of children have been diagnosed with asthma. So what can you do about it? This article will focus on some practical strategies to increase your control over asthma, increase your ability to communicate with your doctor, and finally how to determine when things are worse than you can handle at home and medical attention is necessary.

Controlling the Triggers
We know asthma is a problem that starts when your child is exposed to a trigger. Identifying the triggers that affect your child the most is a crucial part of home treatment. Try to identify what sets off your child's attacks and let your doctor know. No one can do this better than you. Sometimes the trigger will be obvious. Sometimes it will take some detective work. If the triggers aren't obvious, keep a log of your child's attacks and review it with your doctor. Where was your child when the attack started? (In smoking grandma's house.) What was your child doing when the attack started? (Playing with the neighbor's cat.) A very small detail might be the key.