Asthma: What you need to know

It is a common condition that tends to begin in childhood, but it can also develop in adulthood. 

If you think you or your child might have asthma, speak to your GP (link to GP info article). 

What are the symptoms of asthma?

The main symptoms of asthma are: 

• a whistling sound when breathing (wheezing) 

• breathlessness 

• a tight chest, which may feel like a band is tightening around it 

• coughing 

How is asthma treated?

Asthma is treated by using an inhaler. There are two types of inhalers which are used to manage asthma: 

• The preventer inhaler is used daily to help prevent asthma symptoms occurring. 

• The reliever inhaler is used when symptoms occur, and provides relief for a short period of time. 

Using a “spacer” (or Aerochamber) can help to get more of the medicine into your child’s airways. It’s important to administer spacers correctly, take a look at the video below for more guidance. 

Some people also need to take tablets to help manage their asthma. People with asthma should have an annual asthma review at their GP surgery. 

This video was not produced by Health for Kids Grownups and may contain adverts.

This video was not produced by Health for Kids Grownups and may contain adverts.

Asthma attacks

Asthma symptoms can sometimes get temporarily worse. This is known as an asthma attack. Asthma attacks can be life-threatening and these symptoms can come on slowly over the course of a few hours or days, or they may appear suddenly:

• your symptoms are getting worse (cough, breathlessness, wheezing or tight chest) 

• your reliever inhaler (usually blue) is not helping 

• you’re too breathless to speak, eat or sleep 

• your breathing is getting faster and it feels like you cannot catch your breath 

• your peak flow score is lower than normal 

• children may also complain of a tummy or chest ache 

 What to do in the event of an asthma attack: 

1. Sit up straight – try to keep calm. 
2. Take one puff of your reliever inhaler (usually blue) every 30 to 60 seconds up to 10 puffs. 
3. If you feel worse at any point, or you do not feel better after 10 puffs, call 999 for an ambulance. 
4. If the ambulance has not arrived after 10 minutes and your symptoms are not improving, repeat step 2. 
5. If your symptoms are no better after repeating step 2, and the ambulance has still not arrived, contact 999 again immediately. 

Never be frightened of calling for help in an emergency. 

Asthma attacks are less likely if you or your child has the right asthma treatment in place, which is why it’s so important to speak to your GP if you think you/they might have asthma and to attend annual asthma reviews with an asthma nurse. 

Take a look at this video from the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland ICB for more guidance around managing young peoples asthma:

This video was not produced by Health for Kids Grownups and may contain adverts.

What is thunderstorm asthma?

Whilst rare, thunderstorms can trigger severe asthma attacks in children (and adults) that are known to wheeze and in hayfever sufferers, as pollen is broken into even smaller pieces that can move deeper into the lungs. 

There are lots of things you can do to help: 

First – keep pollen at bay 

Take antihistamine medicines if you or your child suffer from hay fever (symptoms include sneezing, cough, itchy eyes or skin, or runny nose). Keep windows closed, change your clothes and have a shower after being outside. You may find wearing a mask outdoors helps. Your local pharmacy can advise and provide the right antihistamine for your child. Always read the dosage instructions. 

Two – know your inhalers 

Your child should take their asthma steroid preventer (usually a brown, pink or purple inhaler) inhaler regularly if they have been prescribed one. Always use a spacer, if you have one, to help medicine get to the lungs. 

The blue inhaler can be used as needed if they have difficulty breathing. A child can have two puffs at a time (ideally using a spacer as in the videos below) – up to 10 puffs. If they improve and can talk in full sentences and can drink then you can monitor them at home. 

If they continue to need more than 10 puffs in a four-hour period call 111 or your GP. 

When to come to the emergency department: 

If your child is still struggling after 10 puffs or any of the following symptoms occur, please attend the Emergency Department: 

• Too breathless to talk 

• Breathing rapidly 

• Floppy or unresponsive 

• Blue lips 

• Grunting when breathing 

• Muscles in neck and between ribs pulling when breathing 

You can keep giving the blue inhaler until you get to the hospital.