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How can you care for yourself when you have reactive airway disease?
- Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine.
- Do not smoke or allow others to smoke around you. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.
- If you know what caused your wheezing (such as perfume or the odor of household chemicals), try to avoid it in the future.
- Wash your hands several times a day, and consider using hand gels or wipes that contain alcohol. This can prevent colds and other infections.
Wheezing in children: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think your child may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- Your child has severe trouble breathing. Signs may include the chest sinking in, using belly muscles to breathe, or nostrils flaring while your child is struggling to breathe.
Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- Your child coughs up yellow, dark brown, or bloody mucus.
- Your child has a fever.
- Your child's wheezing gets worse.
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The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.