For the asthmatic child the holidays can be a difficult time. Hauling out the decorations from the attic; that beautiful Christmas tree in the corner lot; the ribbons; the colorful paper; scented candles; even an artificial tree can all be triggers for that dreaded asthma attack. Whether one celebrates Chanukah, Christmas, or Kwanza, during the holidays the parent needs to take a few extra precautions. Here are a few tips to help keep the holidays healthy:

House Cleaning: Send the kids to the mall with a trusted adult and then clean the house, or have your house professionally cleaned when everyone is out.

Stored Decorations: Unpack decorations away from the child, remembering to discard all paper packing. Wash or vacuum all surfaces. Allow them to air out for a few days in a garage or a room that the child cannot enter. Dispose of all of last year’s plastic tinsel, garlands, and boxes. These items harbor dust mites and mold.

The Christmas Tree: If you must have a real tree, cut your own. All those beautiful trees on the corner lot are treated with a chemical to retard decay. That chemical can be a trigger for an asthma attack. For an artificial tree make certain that it is cleaned and aired out away from the child.

Candles: Switch scented candles with unscented tapers. Never light them. Candle smoke can bring on a sudden, acute attack. If you must have sparkle, use tiny white lights all around the room. Perhaps an artificially lighted menorah or Advent wreath would be permitted for religious traditions. Check with your clergy.

Those Wonderful Holiday Scents: Bake pungent cookies, such as gingerbread. Sprinkle spices on a cookie sheet and place it in the oven at a low temperature, right before your guests arrive. Your house will exude holiday fragrance, without putting your child at risk.

Medications: Make certain that your child keeps up with his asthma maintenance program. No skipping doses. Prevention is the key.

Keeping a safe holiday for your asthmatic child is not an impossibility. A few precautions discussed with your child’s doctor, and some old-fashioned common sense, can make for a more joyful and meaningful celebration.

Jason Ladock

Copyrighted material; do not reprint without permission.

 

View all articles by Jason Ladock