Asthma Attacks

Asthma attacks can happen for a number of reasons. They can be caused because of contact with a ‘trigger’ like pollen or animal fur. It may be because of a viral illness, like a cold making it worse. Or it could be because asthma treatment plans haven’t been followed.

Often there will have been a change in asthma symptoms on the run up to an attack. If you notice this seeing your GP or nurse may help to stop a bad attack happening.

If you are worried that your child's symptoms are getting worse, you may notice that:

• The reliever inhaler (usually blue) isn't working
• They are complaining that their tummy or chest hurts
• Their breathing is getting faster or doesn't sound like it normally does
• They are too breathless to speak, eat, play or sleep.

What to Do

You should first:

• Sit your child in an upright position
• Try and keep your child calm – reassure and speak gently to them
• Encourage them to take slow, steady breaths
• Take 1 puff of their reliever inhaler (usually blue) through their spacer every 30 to 60 seconds. For each puff try and count to ten breaths. Do this up to a maximum of ten puffs.

If things don’t get better, or you feel worried at any time, you can ring 111 for advice. 

When to Get More Help?

Call 999 for an ambulance if:

• You don't have access to an inhaler and symptoms are getting worse
• They have used their inhaler but things are not getting any better
• They are using a lot of their body to ‘get breath in’. You might notice their tummy pulling in, ribs standing out or ‘sucking in’ at front of throat
• You can see your child’s colour change – they look pale, grey or blue
• They are getting less able to respond to you.

Never be frightened of asking for help in an emergency.

If Your Child is Being Treated for Asthma

Having a child with asthma is a worry for parents, and as children get older they may worry about their own health too.

Asthma is a common condition. It can be serious if not properly looked after. It is important that you follow the advice and treatment given to you by health professionals to keep it as well controlled as possible.

Many people live with asthma with few problems most of the time.

Living with Asthma

If your child has been diagnosed with asthma you may be worried about how this might impact on their day to day life. There are ways you can help keep asthma symptoms under control as much as possible:

Inhalers and Spacers

• Make sure your child uses their preventer inhaler every day, even when they are well.
• Your child should always use a spacer when taking their inhaler. If you do not have a spacer; speak to your GP or asthma nurse.
• Wash spacers at least monthly – this helps your child get more medicine through it.
• Order new inhalers with plenty of time to spare. Set a reminder on your phone or on your calendar to remind yourself. Running out can be dangerous.
• Follow your child's personal asthma plan between regular appointments.

Check Ups

• Your child should have regular asthma reviews with their GP or asthma nurse at least once a year. This is a chance to review personal asthma plans too.
• If you notice that your child seems to be needing their inhaler more, make an appointment to discuss with the asthma team at your GP practice.
• Ensure your child has their yearly flu vaccine.

Environment

• Do not smoke, or let others smoke, around your child. This will make asthma symptoms much worse.
• Where possible avoid things that trigger your child's symptoms, or that make their asthma worse.
• When your child’s asthma is well controlled exercise is very good for them. It helps create healthy habits for life.

Using an Inhaler

Babies and children do get used to using inhalers but there will be times when they are not keen, for all sorts of reasons. It is so important that they take their ‘preventer inhaler, as instructed, every day.

When they have symptoms they need to use their ‘reliever inhaler’ to help them breathe easily again. Hopefully giving them their inhalers will not be a battle but on occasion it may be – it is still important you continue to try.

If using the inhaler is a regular problem, seek advice from your doctor or asthma nurse.

 Using a Spacer

• Take the cap off the inhaler. Check there is nothing inside the mouthpiece.
• Shake the inhaler.
• Place the inhaler in the end of the spacer.
• Help your child to put the mask over their nose and mouth.
• Make a good seal so no medicine can escape.
• Press the top of the canister once so that one puff of medicine goes into the spacer.
• Count to 10 slowly (say ‘One, and two, and three,’ to get the timing right).
• Repeat the above steps for each puff you give. Remember to take the inhaler out of the spacer, to shake between each puff.

Other Things to Remember

• Wait 30 seconds between each puff.
• Wipe your child’s face afterwards, this removes medicine that might have landed on their skin, which could cause redness or irritation.

Watch a helpful video about using a spacer

Talk to School

Nursery or School need to know if your child is given a diagnosis of asthma. This will allow them to act quickly if your child has symptoms at school.

• Share your child's asthma care plan with their school. It is important for school to know what will help your child in an emergency.
• If your child does not have an asthma care plan - talk to the school about what they would need to do to help your child.
• Ensure school have all of your child's medications, and a spacer and that they are in date.
• Talk to your child and about how they must let a grown up know if they are struggling with their asthma.

 If Your Child Has a Wheeze

If your child seems wheezy with their cough or cold, but are usually well, you can help them feel better at home.

• Having you close by will make them feel safe, maybe you could snuggle up together.
• Reassure them. Noisy breathing can make children feel panicky.
• Keep calm yourself. Remember if you do feel worried things are getting worse, you can get help.
• Offer frequent drinks. Little and often is easier when you have a cold and warm drinks can be comforting.
• Give paracetamol if they seem to be feeling poorly. Follow the instructions on the medicine bottle.
• Keep away from smoky places and do not smoke near your child or allow anyone else to smoke near them.