Asthma and Respiratory conditions
Asthma is a condition that affects the airways- the tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs.
1 in 11 children in the UK have Asthma.
A child/young person with asthma has ‘sensitive’ airways ready to react to things that can irritate them- this includes pollen, pets, cold weather and mould.
When the airways react they become narrower, even more irritated and can create more mucus.
This causes the child/young person to have asthma symptoms and means they find it hard to breathe.
What are the Symptoms of Asthma?
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Finding it hard to breathe
- Tightness in the chest- some children may say they have ‘tummy ache.’
Asthma symptoms can come and go. Even when the child/young person is well asthma is there in the background. There is no cure for asthma. It is a long-term condition. If it is not treated properly, asthma can be serious and lead to what could be a life threatening asthma attack.
How is Asthma treated?
Asthma can be controlled well by managing triggers and regular monitoring and treatment with inhalers and medications.
Relievers and preventers
Relievers - usually come as blue inhalers. Use at the start of asthma symptoms or before activity such as games/PE at school. They relax the muscles around your airways making it easier to breathe. They work within 5-10 minutes and effects can last up to 4 hours.
Preventers- these usually come as brown, red or orange inhalers. They contain low dose steroids which reduce swelling and inflammation in the airways when they come across a trigger. They work over a period of time and should be taken every day even when the child/young person is well.
Most inhalers used by children, young people and adults need to be given using a spacer device. The spacer is used to allow the medication to get into the lungs. Your inhaler technique should be checked regularly. Your spacer should be washed once a month in soapy water and left to dry.
Asthma uk- Help your child use their inhaler.
Asthma uk - Spacers.
The role of a Paediatric Asthma and Respiratory conditions
Emma Harriman is a specialist nurse that works alongside the Respiratory Consultants at Russells Hall Hospital.
My role is to:
- Care for a defined group of children/young people and their families who have asthma.
- Help reduce hospital admissions for children/young people with asthma.
- Ensure safe discharges from hospital for all children/young people admitted with asthma attack.
- Ensure appropriate follow arrangements are made after a child/young person has an asthma attack.
For more information contact emma.harriman@nhs.net