This month, our website features articles about the enemies of your child’s immunity foundation. And I feel this is my chance to share with you how I battled with my children’s number one foe: asthma.

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition where the airways tighten, swell, and fill up with mucous. This makes it hard for the person to breathe. Symptoms of asthma include shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, chest pain, difficulty in talking, and trouble sleeping.

What causes asthma? What triggers an asthma attack?

Asthma is mostly genetic, or passed on by parents to children. An asthma attack is set off by allergens, (organisms that a person is allergic to) such as certain foods, pollen, or animal dander. It may also be set off by air pollution, including dirt, cigarette smoke, or gases. Even household odors such as perfumes or laundry detergent may trigger an attack. Excessive exercise and emotional stress may cause an attack too, as wells as weather changes and certain medications. More importantly, respiratory infections like the common colds or bronchitis, can trigger an asthma attack.

What is life like with an asthmatic child?

I did not just have an asthmatic child—I had four asthmatic children. Unfortunately, my husband and I passed it on. It was very difficult to see my children suffering from asthma, especially since I experienced having asthma myself. It feels like you just can’t get enough air and you’re drowning.

Needless to say, my husband and I did everything within our power to prevent them from having asthma attacks. We had no pets. The house was a non-smoking zone. No stuffed toys for Christmas. Every nook and cranny had to be spic and span. A nebulizer was always accessible. Yayas and maids were taught the SOP. We checked our kids’ school bags everyday to see if their inhaler was in place. We talked to our children’s teachers about their conditions.

But the best protection we have given our four kids is a strong immunity. As I’ve mentioned, respiratory infections like colds can set off an attack. So my husband and I boosted our children’s immunity. We did this by ensuring that their food is nutritious, that they get at least 8 hours of sleep a day, that they are physically active, and that they get their dose of the right vitamins. After all, it was not enough to just shield our kids from allergens. We also had to build their bodies’ defense against sickness so they won’t succumb to asthma or to whatever illness that comes their way.

My children are all grown up and asthma attacks are, thankfully, very few and far in between. It really helps that they lead healthy lifestyles and their immunity systems are strong. So mom, if your child has asthma, don’t feel too helpless. There are many things you can do make him less susceptible to diseases or attacks.

If your child has asthma, I’m sure you can relate. Why don’t you share your experiences and tips with us?