Asthma and young children

It is estimated that approximately 15 per cent of Australian children have asthma. Asthma is one of the most common reasons for children being admitted to hospital and for missing days at school. If your child’s asthma is well managed, they should be able to lead a healthy, active life.

Get the answers

There are many things to think about and plan for when your young child has asthma. It is important to learn as much as you can about the condition. Your doctor and pharmacist are there to help you.

What you need to know about your child’s asthma

To manage your child’s asthma effectively, you should know:

• The pattern of asthma – some children have only mild, occasional episodes or only show symptoms after exercising, with no symptoms between episodes. Some experience daily symptoms, while others have symptoms continuously, which limit their physical activity. Each pattern of asthma requires a different treatment approach.
• The risk of a severe attack – an important point to remember is that children can have a severe and even life-threatening attack, even though they have mild or occasional asthma.
• Your child’s triggers – every child’s asthma is different. Your child will probably have several asthma triggers, and they can be very different from another child. Triggers cause inflammation or swelling in the airways and make asthma worse. The most common trigger is a viral infection, usually a simple cold. Find out what triggers make your child’s asthma worse so you can avoid them.
• Your child’s asthma symptoms – some of the common symptoms and signs include coughing (particularly at night), wheezing, shortness of breath, a feeling of tightness in the chest, or difficulty breathing (a ‘sore tummy’). Your child may have all of these symptoms or just a few.
• Your child’s asthma medications – learn what the different types of medications do and make sure your child takes them properly.
• What to do if your child has an asthma attack – know the Asthma First Aid.

Asthma Action Plan

An Asthma Action Plan is a clear, concise written summary of your child’s asthma management, which needs to be reviewed regularly. Everyone with asthma should have a personalised asthma action plan written by their doctor.

An Asthma Action Plan outlines:

• How to care for day-to-day asthma (it lists your child’s regular medications and how often they should take them)
• Key things to recognise when your child’s asthma is getting worse or an ‘attack’ is developing, and the steps you should take to manage it
• Symptoms that are serious enough to need urgent medical help (with emergency information on what to do if your child has an asthma ‘attack’).

The Asthma Action Plan is an important tool for anyone caring for your child. A copy of the action plan should be sent to school, kindergarten, childcare centre, grandparents, other relatives or to anyone caring for your child.

What the children’s service needs to know

To assist childcare and preschool workers in the care of your child with asthma, you should:

• Tell them that your child has asthma (even if it is mild or occasional).
• Give them a copy of your child’s Asthma Action Plan.
• Provide emergency numbers and the name of your child’s doctor.
• Give them written authorisation to administer asthma medication to your child.
• Show them how to use the medication devices like pumps, spacers and puffers.
• Make sure your child has an up-to-date supply of medication at the centre.
• Notify them if your child’s asthma changes.
• Tell the staff about any concerns you may have.

Where to get help

• Your doctor
• Your local pharmacist
• Asthma Foundation Victoria Tel. (03) 9326 7088 or 1800 645 130

Things to remember

• Asthma is the most common childhood condition in Australia.
• Your child needs a personalised Asthma Action Plan written up by their doctor and reviewed regularly.
• Make sure your children’s service understands your child’s asthma symptoms and medications.

You might also be interested in:

• Asthma.
  
• Asthma-friendly home.
  

Want to know more?

Go to More information for support groups, related links and references.

This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:

(Logo links to further information)

Asthma Victoria

Last reviewed: August 2011

Content on this website is provided for education and information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. Content has been prepared for Victorian residents and wider Australian audiences, and was accurate at the time of publication. Readers should note that, over time, currency and completeness of the information may change. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.

If you would like to link to this fact sheet on your website, simply copy the code below and add it to your page:

<a href="http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Asthma_and_young_children?open">Asthma and young children - Better Health Channel</a><br/>
Asthma affects many children. Parents of a child with asthma need to know about their child's condition, symptoms and medications. All other carers, such as grandparents and childcare workers, should also be aware of the child's asthma and how to manage it.

Content on this website is provided for education and information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your qualified health professional. Content has been prepared for Victorian residence and wider Australian audiences, and was accurate at the time of publication. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users are urged to always seek advice from a qualified health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.

For the latest updates and more information, visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au

Copyight © 1999/2012  State of Victoria. Reproduced from the Better Health Channel (www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au) at no cost with permission of the Victorian Minister for Health. Unauthorised reproduction and other uses comprised in the copyright are prohibited without permission.