Asthma in Children

WHAT IS ASTHMA?
We do not fully understand what causes asthma, and there is no cure for it, but if you team up with your doctor and work out an asthma management plan that you are able to stick to every day, you can lead a healthy, fulfilling, active life.
Asthma is a long-term condition of the lungs.  The airways in people with asthma are more sensitive than usual, and easily become inflamed.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Contents

Back to top

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Back to top

Typical asthma symptoms include cough, wheeze, shortness of breath and a tight chest.  However not all of these symptoms are present in the same way in all people with asthma, and some or all of these symptoms may be present in other lung conditions, so the diagnosis is not always obvious.

WHAT CAUSES AN ASTHMA ATTACK?

Back to top

Asthma symptoms vary between individuals. Some people have typically mild symptoms that are only triggered (for example) by exercise, whilst others suffer from severe symptoms that intermittently affect school or work, and sometimes result in a visit to the emergency room.  In an individual, symptoms vary within a single day, over weeks and over stages of life.  A person with asthma may feel well in the morning, but suffer from a cough in the evening.  They may experience a worsening of symptoms during a particular season.  Pollen sensitive people tend to develop worsening symptoms in spring, whereas house dust mite tends to trouble people more in winter when homes are heated and humid.
Another important point about asthma is that symptoms often occur as a result of triggers, and people with asthma can often identify their particular personal triggers.

CONTROL IS THE KEY

Back to top
We have learned that asthma is a variable condition and that it is not curable.  To prevent people with asthma from feeling controlled by their condition it is important for them to learn how to control their symptoms every day.
This can be achieved by using asthma medication consistently.  Not only must controller medication be taken daily, it must also be taken correctly so that the medication reaches the small airways to control inflammation.  This requires good asthma device education.
If a person feels that their asthma is not well managed and their control is poor, it is important for them to see their doctor or asthma nurse for advice on how to improve management.

 

 

Visit Bronki Boosters 




Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

For more health information

Click on the body area you want to know more about. Select a related health topic from the menu

Select a body area
Head
Chest
Abdomen
Pelvis
Legs
Feet
Mental Health
Skin
General
Infant Health
Close Menu
Restlessness and Teething in Babies
Restlessness and Teething in Babies
Although deemed as ‘normal’, teething may be accompanied by a fever, irritability, diarrhoea and poor sleep; amongst other things. Was this ....
Flu
Flu
There has been a steady increase in the number of flu cases reported recently. This is unusual because the flu season usually runs from March to ....
Diarrhoea
Diarrhoea
When is a runny tummy actually diarrhoea, and when to use an antidiarrhoeal? Was this helpful? Submit Cancel Thanks for your ....
Sinus
Sinus
Sinuses are spaces in the bones of your cheeks, your forehead and your nose. Was this helpful? Submit Cancel Thanks for your ....
Measles, Mumps and Rubella – MMR
Measles, Mumps and Rubella – MMR
Measles, Mumps and Rubella can be highly infectious diseases1 and can spread through droplets of saliva, inhaled or picked up from surfaces and ....

Related Brochures

Asthma
Asthma

Asthma is a common lung condition. In fact, about 10 percent of adults and 20 percent of children suffer from this condition. Even though it often starts in childhood, people can develop the symptoms of asthma at any age. Was this helpful? Submit Cancel Thanks for your feedback!

Asthma – Myths and Facts
Asthma – Myths and Facts

The truth about asthma Was this helpful? Submit Cancel Thanks for your feedback!

Asthma and Pregnancy
Asthma and Pregnancy

ABOUT PREGNANCY AND ASTHMA Pregnancy is regarded as a miraculous event, a time when a woman realises the capacity for love, anticipates the changes for her future and feels the privilege of carrying a new human being. When illness takes away from this joy, pregnancy can start to feel hard to bear. To add to…