Childhood asthma treatment: what parents should know

Asthma causes sensitive, narrowed airways that can swell and produce mucus. A reliever inhaler opens the airways during symptoms such as wheezing, cough or chest tightness. A preventer, when prescribed, reduces airway inflammation over time and must be used on the schedule given by the clinician, even when the child feels well.

The right device matters. Young children may use a spacer with an inhaler so more medicine reaches the lungs. A clinician or pharmacist can watch the technique and explain cleaning, storage and mouth care. Allergic rhinitis or house dust mite allergy can add to symptoms, so the child's wider pattern is worth discussing.

Keep an up-to-date written asthma plan where caregivers can find it. Record the prescribed medicines, doses, device instructions and the action to take when symptoms increase. Reduce known triggers such as smoke, strong fragrances or exercise-related symptoms according to the clinician's advice; do not restrict normal activity without guidance.

Arrange reviews when symptoms change, night waking occurs, exercise becomes difficult or the reliever is needed more often than expected. Never share inhalers, change a dose, or stop a preventer without medical advice. Nebuliser treatment may be considered in acute care, but it is not a substitute for an individual asthma plan.

Seek urgent medical help if the child is struggling to breathe, cannot speak or drink normally because of breathlessness, becomes unusually drowsy, develops blue or grey lips, or is not improving after the prescribed reliever action. Keep the child upright, follow the written plan and do not delay emergency care while looking for another explanation.

Ask which symptoms show poor control, whether the inhaler and spacer technique is correct, how school or nursery staff should respond, and when the plan should be reviewed. Ask how allergies, viral infections and exercise may affect this child's symptoms.