prevent asthma attacks: Asthma symptoms in children

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How is asthma treated

Medication can come in the form of inhalers and tablets, although currently inhalers (also called puffers) are more common. An inhaler ensures that very small amounts of medication are delivered directly into the child's lungs. There are a variety of inhalers available. It is important that your child uses a device that they are comfortable with and can use properly. Your doctor or nurse will advise you on the most appropriate device for your child and will demonstrate how to use it correctly.

There are two main types of asthma medication ï¿½ relievers and preventers.

ï¿½ Reliever inhalers are usually blue. They act by opening up the airways causing the muscles to relax and therefore allowing you to breathe more easily. The reliever should only be used when the symptoms of asthma appear or, if recommended, before exercise. They do not reduce the inflammation in the airways. If your child needs to use their reliever more than once a day or 3-4 times per week this suggests that there is a degree of inflammation in the airways that requires preventer treatment.

ï¿½ Preventers usually come in brown, red or orange inhalers. They work over a period of time to calm inflammation in the airways and make them less likely to react badly when your child comes across an asthma trigger. They need to be taken regularly, even when your child has no symptoms. Most preventers are inhaled corticosteroids. It is important to understand that corticosteroids are not the same as anabolic steroids used by athletes to improve their performance.

There are other types of medication that can be added to your reliever and preventer treatment if needed, such as preventer tablets and long-acting relievers.

How can I get my young child to take their medication

Giving asthma medication to a young child can sometimes be difficult, but it needn't be a traumatic experience for either of you. It will help if you reassure your child by pretending to take the medication yourself or try giving it to their favourite teddy. Distraction with music, videos or a cot mobile can also be useful.

Praise and encourage the smallest achievement. Smile and try to remain positive ï¿½ children are quick to detect parental anxiety and if you can reassure your child s/he is more likely to participate.

If your child is restless, holding them firmly should be sufficient. Forceful restraint should not be used. Quiet, tidal breathing (breathing in and out in a regular fashion) is the most effective way for your child to get the asthma medication into the lungs where it is needed most. If your child starts to cry she will not be able to take her medication properly. Try to console her and repeat the exercise when she is more content.

How can I help to prevent asthma attacks

Encourage your child to take their medication as required by the doctor. Many children can forget to use their preventer inhaler (usually brown) when they are feeling well. Make it a part of their routine, when they brush their teeth in the morning and at night for example. Encourage them to get to know the things that set off or make their asthma symptoms worse (triggers).

What to do in an asthma attack

1. Give your child their reliever (blue) inhaler immediately.

2. Sit your child up and loosen any tight clothing

3. If no immediate improvement during an attack, continue to give your child one puff of their reliever inhaler every minute for five minutes or until symptoms improve.

4. If your child's symptoms do not improve in five minutes - or if you are in doubt - call 999 or a doctor urgently.

Will steroids have an effect on my child's growth

If your child needs a preventer inhaler (usually brown, orange or red) the likelihood is that it will contain a low dose of inhaled steroid. There are several kinds of inhaled steroids but they all work in the same way, for example, beclomethasone (eg Becotide and Becloforte), budesonide (Pulmicort), and fluticasone (Flixotide).

Many parents worry about giving their child steroids to treat their asthma, but the corticosteroids used to treat asthma are not the same as anabolic steriods used by body builders. Very little of the steroid is absorbed into the body and low doses of inhaled steroids do not cause side-effects and have been shown to have no adverse effect on growth.

Baby Asthma Final Part