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.
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 a template here).
Treatment for asthma
There are two main types of medicine used for asthma.