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 when they notice them, 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, an​d more than 10,000 end up in hospital. 

Is there a cure for asthma?

There’s no cure for asthma – yet. Asthma Australia is working with a team of researchers on a national effort to cure asthma. 

Learn more or donate to CURE Asthma

Your child’s doctor will make a treatment plan based on their needs and how bad their symptoms are. Often this will involve a daily medicine called a preventer, which helps to keep their airways calm and protect them from flare-ups. While this doesn’t ‘cure’ asthma the aim is to keep them well and allow them to live an active life free from preventable asthma symptoms.

Can kids grow out of asthma?

Sometimes, kids do appear to grow out of their asthma symptoms. We don’t know why! This is what doctors might call ‘remission’. This is one of the reasons why regular reviews with their doctor are so important. If your doctor assesses that your child no longer has signs of asthma, they can work with you to reduce and remove treatment safely, reducing the risk of future attacks.  

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.

Treatment for asthma

There are two main types of medicine used for asthma.

Sword Icon 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.

 

Your child will also need an Asthma Action Plan to record their medicines and when to take them.  

Download Asthma Action Plans

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.

Read More About Starting Asthma Treatment