What can you do to help your child?
 
A. Know  the signs

Both you and your child must learn to recognise the warning signs of an impending asthma attack. Some of these signs include:

  • Prolonged coughing spasms
  • Fast breathing
  • Wheezing
  • Hunched body posture; your child cannot sit or stand up straight
  • Flared nostrils when breathing in
  • Unusual paleness and sweating
  • Anxious or a scared look
  • Abnormal fatigue that is not from playing or working hard
  • Breathing difficulty
B. Avoid the triggers

Animal dander
 (e.g. fur)
  • Prevent pets from entering the bedroom.
  • Bathe pets every 3 to 5 days.
   

Dust in
beds/pillows
  • Use protective air-tight mattress covers and pillow cases.
  • Wash bed sheets and pillow cases weekly in hot water.
   
Pollen
  • Close doors and windows and stay indoors when pollen count is highest in the afternoon.
  • Use of air conditioner may help reduce the amount of pollen that finds its way indoors.
   
Insects
  • Do not leave garbage uncovered.
  • Use poison baits but ensure these are not within the reach of your child.
  • Use pesticide spray only when your child is not around.
   

Tobacco
smoke
  • Do not allow family members and friends to smoke inside the house.
  • Advise family members to quit smoking.
  • Avoid tobacco smoke.
   
Medication
  • Aspirin and Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) (Ibuprofen, Mefenamic acid) should be avoided.
   
Viral infection
(e.g. colds)
  • Practise good personal hygiene and healthy habits (e.g. wash hands frequently).
  • May consider flu vaccination (upon doctor's advice).
   
Food
  • Avoid foods (e.g preserved foods) that contain sulphites.

C. Learn the essentials

  • Asthma management and treatment
    There is no cure for asthma but you can control it.  There are medications to help control the airway inflammation and to open up the airways during an asthma attack. These medications can be taken orally or inhaled.

  • Types of asthma medication
    There are two main categories of medication for the treatment of asthma.

    Relievers
    Controllers
    • relieves the symptoms of asthma quickly but does not modify the underlying cause of the disease
    • works by relaxing and opening up the airways
    • used mainly when symptoms occur

    * Examples: Salbutamol, Formoterol, Terbutaline, Theophyllines
    • also referred to as preventers
    • helps prevent asthma attacks from starting
    • reduces the swelling in the airways and mucus production
    • makes the airways less sensitive to triggers and irritants in the environment
    • taken daily even if there are no symptoms and on a long-term basis to prevent frequent flare-ups of asthma

    * Examples: Beclomethasone dipropionate, Fluticasone propionate, Budesonide, Leukotriene modifiers, Corticosteroids



  • Medication delivery devices
    The inhaler device is the preferred route for the delivery of asthma medications. This is because it allows direct and faster delivery of medication into the airways compared to oral medication. The likelihood of side effects is also reduced.
    The metered-dose inhaler is a small hand-activated device that quickly delivers a specific amount of medication into the lungs when inhaled through the mouth. Correct technique  requires good hand-breath coordination. Metered-dose Inhaler
    Powdered Inhaler Some types of inhalers, the powdered inhalers (e.g. Accuhaler), are breath-activated and are easier to use without the need for hand-breath coordination.
    Younger children may find it difficult to get the technique right while using the metered-dose inhaler. In these cases, special hand-held chamber devices or spacers are needed to deliver the medication.

    A nebuliser is usually used in emergencies or for a very severe asthma attack. It dispenses the medication in a mist that can be breathed in through a mask.    		 Spacer



    Remember!
    Asthma medication is essential in the control of asthma.

    • Understand the basics and importance of the asthma medication that your child is using.
    • Monitor the side effects that your child may experience from the asthma medication.
    • Have a written asthma action plan from your child's doctor.
D. Encourage and support

  • Involve your child
    With proper discipline and management, your child can be taught how to manage his/her asthma condition. Your child should be taught to be responsible for his/her own well-being very early on and to make it a habit to avoid asthma triggers.

  • Remember to nurture
    Allow your child to interact with peers and to lead as normal a life as possible. It must be emphasised that having asthma does not make your child inferior or less able than his/her friends.


Managing your child’s asthma requires an all-rounded approach. Having good family support will allow your child to cope with the disease better. Your role as a parent is important to:

  • educate and empower your child to learn how to recognise and to avoid trigger factors
  • help your child adopt a lifestyle that keeps him/her fit
  • anticipate and manage asthma attacks
  • ensure your child is able to use the medication regularly and correctly
  • maintain  regular communication with your child’s doctor