Asthma is the most common long term condition in children. Symptoms of asthma in children include:
- chest tightness
- coughing
- difficulty breathing
- wheezing
Symptoms of an asthma attack in children:
- Their reliever inhaler (usually blue) isn’t helping, and/or
- They can’t talk or walk easily and/or
- They’re breathing hard and fast and/or
- They’re coughing or wheezing a lot and/or
- They complain of a tummy ache and/or chest ache
What to do if your child is having an asthma attack:
- Help them take a puff of their reliever inhaler (usually blue) every 30–60 seconds, up to a maximum of 10 puffs
- Help them to sit up straight and stay calm
- Call 999 for an ambulance if:
— their symptoms get worse while they’re using their inhaler
— they don’t feel better after 10 puffs
— you’re worried at any time, even if they haven’t yet taken 10 puffs. - While you wait for the ambulance, reassure your child. Repeat step 2 if the ambulance takes longer than 15 minutes.
Child Asthma Resources
There are lots of help and resources available if your child has been diagnosed with asthma.
Asthma UK — has a range of guidance, information and videos for children:
Monkey Wellbeing — this website has lots of helpful resources for younger children about asthma and what they are likely to experience if they have an asthma attack and need to visit a hospital:
