Childhood asthma
Wheezing is often described as a whistling sound heard during breathing. It is caused by airway narrowing and is very common in infants with most children outgrowing it by the age of 10. Wheezing is thought to be one of the indicators of asthma in children. It is often difficult for a doctor to tell whether a child that has long-term symptoms such as cough, wheeze and breathlessness:
- Is normal
- Has a minor health issue that may cause symptoms like those of asthma
- Has asthma
- Has a more serious illness that has symptoms characteristic of asthma
Performing lung function tests on young children can prove difficult. A peak flow meter is often used for older children, but is unsuitable and unreliable for younger children (usually those under the age of six).
It is advisable for parents of young children who experience asthma symptoms to closely monitor and record information such as:
- the type of symptoms
- when symptoms occur
- when symptoms worsen
- any apparent triggers, e.g. if the symptoms get worse when the child is in contact with animals
- family history of asthma, eczema and / or allergies.
Children diagnosed with asthma are likely to be prescribed an inhaler to help prevent and manage their symptoms. Using an inhaler often requires good co-ordination which most children struggle with. A spacer is often recommended as it helps to overcome co-ordination problems and it also directs the medication into the target area of the lungs.
Please contact your GP/Practice nurse for further advice on managing childhood asthma.
Useful links
Click on the following links for more information about inhaler devices from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence in: