Asthma in children Common symptoms Treatment for asthma

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1 TO PROVIDE THE VERY BEST CARE FOR EACH PATIENT ON EVERY OCCASION Asthma in children An information guide

2 Asthma in children Asthma is a condition that affects the airways the small tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs. This makes it harder to breath. The muscle around the airway tightens, making it narrower. The lining of the airway becomes red and sore. It swells and produces sticky mucus. Common symptoms cough - particularly at night and after exercise wheeze a whistling noise shortness of breath having a tight feeling in your chest. Treatment for asthma There are two main kinds of treatments - relievers and preventers. Relievers - help to open up the airways when they tighten up, this relieves the symptoms when they occur. Preventers - help to control the swelling in the airways and reduce the chance of getting symptoms. Preventer treatments need to be taken every day to keep you well. 2

3 Inhalers are given through a spacer device. A spacer device is a plastic cylinder, designed to make your inhaler easier to use. The spacer device also helps to slow down the aerosolised particles that you breathe in, helping them to get down into the lung and giving you longer to breathe them in. Spacer devices are commonly used for children who need to use inhalers and will often have a mask attached to them. This goes over the child s nose and mouth to ensure that the medication is inhaled into the lungs effectively. Triggers Certain things can often make your child s asthma worse, these are known as triggers. With time you will be able to identify what makes your child s asthma worse. colds and viral infections house-dust mite passive smoking exercise and excitement weather furry or feathered animals grasses, pollens and moulds Sometimes you will be able to avoid exposing your child to the triggers which make them poorly. You can discuss this in more detail with your nurse or doctor. Smoking Passive (second hand) smoke is the smoke that is breathed back out by the smoker. Wherever people smoke, there will be second hand smoke in the air although you may not be able to see it. Having a window open does not make a difference and smoke will still be present in the room and on clothing 2 hours after the cigarette has been smoked. Second hand smoke contains 4000 toxic chemicals 3

4 which are especially harmful to babies and children alike. It is in the best interest of you and your child to stop smoking. If you would like any further information on stopping smoking then: speak to your GP, many have smoking cessation groups visit the asthma.org website visit the NHS Choices website. When to use your reliever inhaler at home Unwell/a cold If you start to feel unwell with a cold/runny nose then you can use your reliever inhaler (BLUE) more often. You can have between 2-6 puffs every 4 hours. Sports/Exercise If you get a tight chest, start coughing, wheezing or feel unwell during exercise then you can use reliever inhaler (BLUE) to prevent this. You can take 2 puffs before you start your sport/ exercise and then you can take 2 more puffs when you have finished. Diagnosis Diagnosing asthma can be difficult, especially in young children because: lots of children will wheeze at some point during their first five years, especially if they have a cold it is not easy to measure how well the lungs are working in children. However looking at a pattern of the symptoms over time will help your nurse or doctors determine whether or not your child has asthma. You may be asked to keep a record of this in a symptom diary. 4

5 Useful contacts/further Information asthma.org.uk Information website for parents/carers asthma.org asthma nurse specialist (DO NOT use this number if your child is unwell or it is an emergency situation) asthma.org.uk then click on KICK-A subheading (education and information for children/teenagers) NHS Direct References (accessed June 2010) (accessed June 2010) BTS British Guideline on the Management of Asthma Revised Asthma Management Plan Name Date of Birth Date Action Plan Completed Consultant Paediatrician GP School My medication My preventer This helps to keep you well and must be used everyday, even if you are feeling well. Name Colour Strength Dose 5

6 My reliever This will help you if your chest feels tight or if you are coughing or wheezing. Name Colour Strength Dose Device You should always use your spacer when taking your inhaler, as this helps the medicine get into your lungs and helps you to breathe better. Names of device (eg volumatic aerochamber Colour (If applicable) My other asthma medications Name What it does Strength Dose Duration Peak flow monitored (Using a peak flow meter which is a small device that you blow into. It measures the fastest rate of air (airflow) that you can blow out of your lungs): No Yes, normal peak flow l/min Sports/exercise If you get a tight chest, start coughing, wheezing or feel unwell during exercise then you can use reliever inhaler (BLUE) to prevent this. You can take 2 puffs before you start your sport / exercise and then you can take 2 more puffs when you have finished. 6

7 Asthma attack: emergency treatment Signs of an asthma attack: coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath difficulty speaking in sentences without stopping to take a breath tired/exhausted pale/sweaty/ clammy may be blue around the nose and mouth breathing is faster and chest is tight taking the reliever inhaler (BLUE), 4 puffs every 4 hours has not helped peak flow 50% lower than normal your peak flow will vary at different times of the day and depending on your level of activity at the time. When you are unwell your peak flow will be reduced. IF YOUR CHILD HAS ANY OF THE ABOVE SIGNS THEN SEEK URGENT MEDICAL ADVICE OR IF YOUR CHILD IS FINDING IT DIFFICULT TO BREATH WITH NO RELIEF FROM THEIR INHALER PLEASE TELEPHONE 999. Whilst waiting for the ambulance you can give your child 10 puffs of their blue reliever inhaler (1puff every 30 seconds), using their spacer device. If your child continues to have difficulty breathing then you can continue to give 1 puff of the blue reliever inhaler every minute until the ambulance gets to you. Details of completing professional: Name:.. Designation:... Date:.... 7

8 If English is not your frst language and you need help, please contact the Ethnic Health Team on Jeżeli angielski nie jest twoim pierwszym językiem i potrzebujesz pomocy proszę skontaktować się z załogą Ethnic Health pod numerem telefonu For general enquiries please contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on For enquiries regarding clinic appointments, clinical care and treatment please contact and the Switchboard Operator will put you through to the correct department / service Date of publication: February 2011 Date of review: July 2013 Date of next review: July 2015 Ref: PI_WC_675 The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust Wood pulp sourced from sustainable forests