Asthma is a common long-term condition that can be well controlled in most children. The severity of asthma symptoms varies between children, from very mild to more severe. Asthma is a condition which affects the airways in the lungs. When a child has asthma the airways become tight, which makes it harder to breathe. There are multiple triggers for asthma such as colds and flu, pollen, exercise, house dust mites, pets like cats and dogs, stress and cigarette smoke.
After infancy allergies become particularly important and avoiding the allergens to which your child is allergic may help improve their asthma.
A sudden, severe onset of symptoms is known as an asthma attack. If your child is struggling to complete a sentence or to breathe, it can be a sign of severe asthma and you should call 999. It can be life threatening and may require immediate hospital treatment. Make sure you know how to use your child’s inhaler properly and attend the yearly review with your GP.
Asthma often runs in families and parents should avoid smoking indoors or near to their children.
Symptoms include repeated coughing and wheezing, shortness of breath and bringing up phlegm. Symptoms often get worse at night.
Call 999 to seek immediate medical assistance if your child has severe symptoms of asthma.
Your GP will normally be able to diagnose asthma by asking about your child’s symptoms, examining their chest and listening to their breathing.
Parents should regularly attend their local Asthma Clinic and get regular support on better management of their child’s asthma at home. This will save unnecessary trips to hospital. All children over six months with asthma who require continuous or repeated use of a steroid preventer inhaler or oral steroid are offered the seasonal flu vaccine. In addition, any child over six months who has been admitted to hospital with a lower respiratory tract infection should also be offered the seasonal flu vaccine.
Wheezing & breathing difficulties
The most important part of managing asthma is for you and your child to know about asthma and what triggers an attack.
GP Asthma Clinics offer advice and treatment. Ask about the seasonal flu vaccine.