“Make sure your child knows how to use their preventive inhaler, and ask them how they think their asthma affects them. You might be surprised,” he shares. Treating asthma involves avoiding any known triggers, taking medication as directed, and sometimes using rescue inhalers that open airways quickly to stave off an attack.
The findings mirror what psychologist Linda Herbert sees and hears in her practice. She is the director of the psychosocial clinical program in the department of allergy and immunology at Children’s National in Washington, D.C.
“Kids are routinely bullied for medical illnesses, including those that make them look or appear different such as allergies and asthma,” Herbert says.
Kids need to know that this is not OK, she shares. Those who are bullied are at risk for anxiety, depression and poor self-esteem. They are also less likely to do the things they should do to stay healthy.
“There needs to be improved communication with adults so they can help navigate what’s happening and take steps to address bullying at school,” Herbert notes.
Sometimes a little troubleshooting goes a long way to help kids with asthma stand out less, she adds.
“It may be possible to modify something so that they can participate more fully while making differences less visible,” Herbert says. For example, kids may be able to take medication privately in the nurse’s office before gym class if exercise is a known trigger for asthma attacks.
RELATED: How To Protect Your Child From Common Asthma Triggers
What to do if your child is being bullied
If your child was bullied, the important thing to do is remain calm and figure out the best way to proceed whether it’s contacting the school, contacting the bully’s parents or simply providing support.
Here are some tips on how to get the conversation started with your child provided by stopbullying.gov:
- Has this happened before? Are you worried it will happen again?
- What will make you feel safer?
- This isn’t your fault. No one deserves to be bullied no matter what was said or done.
- Can I reach out to the school/teacher to talk to them about it?
- Can we come up with some things you can do if it happens again?
For more information on how to talk to your child about bullying, visit stopbullying.gov.