Asthma is an inflammatory condition of the airways of the lungs. The airways (bronchial tubes) are sensitive to irritating substances such as dust, animal fur and cigarette smoke. These irritants are known as trigger factors. When someone with asthma comes into contact with a trigger factor their airways narrow and produce a sticky mucus (phlegm), making it difficult for air to pass through.
The exact cause of asthma is unknown, but attacks can be caused by an allergy to a trigger factor. There may also be other non-allergic causes. Asthma often runs in families.
Symptoms
Symptoms include repeated attacks of coughing and wheezing (usually with colds), shortness of breath and bringing up phlegm. Symptoms are often worse at night or after exercise. Not everyone with asthma gets all the symptoms. For many young children a dry irritating cough may be the only symptom.
Viral infections are a common trigger for wheezing. If your child is wheezing it doesn't always mean they have asthma. In children with asthma, virus-triggered attacks are common. Usually your child will have a runny nose or sore throat first, then the wheezing will start two to three days later.
Using inhalers
If your child has asthma always be prepared for an attack. Make sure your child uses their brown preventer inhaler (which contains steroids) as prescribed, not just when they get symptoms.
Make sure your child uses their brown inhaler even when they’re feeling better. As soon as wheezing starts, they should use the blue inhaler (for quick relief from symptoms) and repeat the doses as prescribed. If this doesn’t work, contact your GP.
Reducing the risk of asthma
Smoking during pregnancy or around a child can increase the child’s risk of asthma. Breastfeeding your child for as long as possible can help reduce the risk.
Reducing the effects of asthma
Reducing the amount of dust in your house by getting rid of clutter, shaggy carpets or rugs can help. Piles of soft toys or cushions on beds can can be dust-traps. If you’re planning to change a carpet, get a short-pile carpet or put down a laminate or wood floor instead. Pets can also aggravate asthma, so consider it carefully before getting one.
Asthma: inhaler techniques
The symptoms of childhood asthma, how it can be treated and which inhaler is right for children.
