Managing asthma in children starts with understanding their symptoms, recognizing triggers, and following a treatment plan developed with their healthcare professional. Coughing at night, wheezing or becoming breathless during play can be worrying, but appropriate treatment can help children stay active and manage their symptoms. From using prescribed inhalers correctly to knowing what to do when breathing becomes difficult, parents and caregivers have an important role to play. Here’s what to know about childhood asthma and supporting your child’s day-to-day care.
Workers’ Day is not only a reason to take a day off work; 1 May is also World Asthma Day and throughout May, the Allergy Foundation of SA (AFSA) is raising awareness of this distressing condition with advice and guidelines on how best to manage it.
Correctly managed and treated, asthma can be controlled and it is important to seek medical help as soon as symptoms are experienced. Prof. Claudia Gray, paediatrician and allergologist, says, “Asthma is the most common non-communicable disease and as such deserves much attention.
The goal is for asthmatics to lead as normal and active a life as possible. Accurate diagnosis and tailored, effective treatment are essential and very possible in the South African context.”
“Asthma affects people of all ages, although the onset is more often during childhood. It is the most common chronic childhood disease.”
Asthma facts
Asthma facts- South Africa has the fifth highest asthma-related death rate in the world.
- A conservative annual figure of asthma-related fatalities in SA is 15 000, of which 12 000 should be preventable.
- Asthma is also the third most common illness resulting in hospitalisation, adding significantly to healthcare costs in both the public and private sectors.
- Eight out of 10 asthmatics will also suffer from allergic rhinitis, or hay fever.
- Asthma affects people of all ages, although the onset is more often during childhood. It is the most common chronic childhood disease, with approximately 20% of children and 10% of adults having asthma.
- Young children who frequently have wheezing symptoms, with or without viral infections, are the most likely to have asthma.
- Other associated risk factors include allergies such as eczema, or parents who have asthma.
- Many, but not all, people with asthma have allergies to environmental allergens such as house dust mite or grass.
- In children, more boys than girls have asthma, but among adults, more women than men have the disease! It’s not clear whether or how sex and sex hormones play a role in causing asthma.
- Some people may develop asthma because of contact with chemicals or dust in their workplace. This type of asthma is called occupational asthma.
For more detail on how to manage asthma visit: http://www.allergyfoundation.co.za/patient-information/en/asthma/ and download the free AFSA leaflet: “How to control asthma”.
FAQs: Managing asthma in children
What are the symptoms of asthma in children?
Common symptoms include wheezing, coughing, breathlessness and chest tightness. Symptoms may worsen at night or during activity. A healthcare professional should assess recurring symptoms, as other conditions can cause similar problems.
What can trigger a child’s asthma?
Triggers vary between children. They can include colds, tobacco smoke, air pollution, cold air and allergens such as pollen, dust mites or mould.
How can I help manage my child’s asthma at home?
Follow their prescribed treatment, check inhaler technique with a healthcare professional and monitor symptoms. Reduce exposure to known triggers and keep their asthma action plan accessible.
What is an asthma action plan?
It is a personalised written guide explaining your child’s medicines, signs that their asthma is worsening and what to do during an attack. Share it with their school and other caregivers.
Can children with asthma play sport?
Usually, yes. Well-managed asthma should allow children to stay active. If exercise causes symptoms, ask their healthcare professional to review their treatment and advise on safe participation.
When should my child’s asthma treatment be reviewed?
Arrange a review if symptoms disturb sleep, limit play or require their reliever more often than usual. Do not change or stop prescribed treatment without medical advice.
What should I do if my child has an asthma attack?
Sit your child upright and follow their asthma action plan, including prescribed reliever instructions. Get emergency help immediately if breathing is severe or worsening, they cannot speak normally, become drowsy, or their reliever is not helping. Do not wait for their lips to turn blue.
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