What is asthma?

Asthma is a common disease of the airways – the structures through which air passes when moving from your mouth and nose down to your lungs.

It causes the muscles in the airways to tighten, and the lining of the airway to become swollen and inflamed, producing sticky mucus. These changes cause the airways to become narrow, making it difficult to breathe, and can lead to coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.

Asthma is one of the most common reasons that children visit doctors, miss days at school, or are admitted to the hospital. In fact, it is estimated that around one in 10 Australian children have asthma. If your child’s asthma is well managed, they should be able to lead a healthy, active life.

Causes of Asthma in Children

The reason some children develop asthma is not fully understood, but risk factors include:

family members with asthma, eczema, or hay fever – potential genetic factors
sensitising airborne particles

Triggers for asthma in children

Asthma triggers are substances, conditions, or activities that lead to asthma symptoms. These include (among others):

exposure to cigarette smoke
airway infections such as the common cold, especially during infancy
indoor and outdoor air pollution
allergy triggers, such as dust mites , animals, pollen, or mould
weather conditions, such as cold air
exercise.

Symptoms of asthma in children

Common asthma symptoms include:

chest tightness or pain (often described by young children as a ‘sore tummy’)
shortness of breath
difficulty breathing
wheezing – whistling noise when breathing
coughing (particularly at night).

Your child may have all of these symptoms or just a few. Symptoms are often worse at night, in the early morning, during exercise, or due to other triggers.

Asthma medication

Asthma can be well controlled with the appropriate medication in almost all people.

The main types of asthma medications are:

preventers – that slowly make the airways less sensitive to triggers by reducing swelling and mucus inside the airways. This medication is taken daily. (Depending on the trigger of the asthma symptoms in your child, some children may only need preventer medication during certain seasons – for example during pollen season or during winter when they pick up a cold or flu. Others may need preventers all year round)
relievers – that act quickly to relieve symptoms by relaxing the tight muscles around the airways. This medication is used during an asthma attack.

The best medical practice is to give only the smallest doses of medication required to keep your child’s asthma symptoms under control. Your doctor will tell you how much this is. Never reduce the dose of medication without speaking with your doctor. There are many different types of asthma medication, mostly in the form of inhalers (or puffers). Asthma Australia has more information about your asthma medication.

Asthma action plans for children

An asthma action plan is a clear written summary of instructions for when your child’s asthma symptoms change. Everyone with asthma should have a personalised asthma action plan written by their doctor.

Your child’s asthma action plan will tell you:

how to recognise when your child’s asthma is getting worse or an ‘attack’ is developing, and the steps you should take to manage it
symptoms that are serious, indicating a need for urgent medical help (with emergency information on what to do if your child has an asthma attack)
your child’s asthma triggers.

Make sure you understand and can follow the asthma action plan from your doctor.

Asthma information for childcare, kinder or school

To assist childcare and preschool workers and school teachers in the care of your child with asthma:

Tell them that your child has asthma (even if it is mild or occasional).
Provide them with a copy of your child’s asthma action plan, including emergency contact details. Make sure you provide an updated plan every year, or if your child’s medication changes. The school or childcare centre will require this for enrolment.
Show staff members how to use the medication devices, such as spacers and puffers.
Make sure your child has an up-to-date supply of medication and a spacer at the centre or school.
Notify staff if your child’s asthma changes.
Tell the staff about any concerns you may have.

Where to get help

In an emergency, always call triple zero (000)
Emergency department of your nearest hospital
Your GP (doctor)
NURSE-ON-CALL Tel. 1300 60 60 24 – for expert health information and advice (24 hours, 7 days)
National Home Doctor Service – for after-hours home doctor visits (bulk billed) Tel. 13 SICK (13 7425)
Asthma Australia Tel. 1800 ASTHMA (1800 278 462)
National Asthma Council Australia Tel. 1800 032 495
Allergy and Anaphylaxis Australia Tel. 1300 728 000
The Royal Children's Hospital has produced a number of videos to help you better understand and manage your child's asthma

If your child has asthma, please ensure their action plan is up to date and provided to the office along with in-date medication and a spacer.

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