What is asthma: A guide for parents

Having a child with asthma can be scary. No one wants to see their child not being able to breathe. It is normal to feel unsure where to turn. This guide aims to equip you with knowledge and tips to navigate your child’s asthma journey.

What is asthma?

Having asthma means your child has sensitive airways. Their airways can squeeze tight when they are exposed to their triggers, which makes it hard to breathe. They may feel like they are breathing through a very thin straw and cannot get enough air. They also might find it hard to breathe out. The most common symptoms are cough, wheeze, a tight chest and feeling short of breath.

Teach your child how to recognise their symptoms and encourage them to tell you, so you can give them the care they need.

Remember: Just because your child doesn’t have any symptoms doesn’t mean their asthma is gone. It means that their asthma is not being triggered right now, or that it is well controlled. It can also mean their medicine is working.

How common is asthma?

Asthma is a serious and long-term disease. Asthma affects 1 in 9 Australians, including around 8% of children under 14 years.

Sadly, some children die each year because of asthma, and more than 10,000 end up in hospital.

Is there a cure for asthma?

There’s no cure for asthma, and it is not likely that your child will ‘grow out’ of asthma. But with the right care, they can live a normal and active life.

Your child’s doctor will make a treatment plan based on their needs and how bad their symptoms are. Your child will need an Asthma Action Plan to record their medicines and when to take them.

Download: Asthma Action Plan

Treatment for asthma

There are two main types of medicine used for asthma.

asthma reliever sword Relievers: These relieve the symptoms of asthma by telling the muscles around the lungs to relax. All children with asthma should have one of these with them at all times.
asthma preventer shield Preventers: These work to reduce the sensitivity in the lungs, to prevent your child reacting to triggers. Some children need these daily to reduce their chance of asthma attacks.

 

Of course, their medicine can only work if they take them. Make it part of your normal routine to carry a puffer and spacer in your child’s bag all the time.