Childhood asthma
Around one in 11 children and young people in the UK live with asthma, and the UK has one of the highest prevalence, emergency admission and death rates for childhood asthma in Europe.
The Children and Young People’s (CYP) transformation programme has committed in the NHS Long Term Plan to improve asthma outcomes for CYP.
Asthma can usually be managed with inhalers and other medication, however it is important that children and young people with the condition – as well as their parents or carers - understand what triggers their symptoms and how to avoid those triggers.
More about asthma symptoms, triggers and treatment is available on the NHS website.
Information for parents and carers
There are several things you can do to help your child keep their asthma under good control:
- Check that they take their preventer inhaler every day.
- Make sure their inhaler technique is correct – see videos.
- If they are needing to use their blue inhaler more than three times per week, book an appointment for an asthma review with a GP or practice nurse.
- Have an asthma review at least once per year, even if their asthma is well controlled. This should include a medication review, inhaler technique check and Personalised Asthma Action Plan (PAAP).
- Your child’s PAAP should also be shared with school/nursery and your child should have their blue inhaler available in school.
- If your child’s school has its own emergency inhaler, make sure that you have also given consent for your child to use this if required.
- Make sure your child has their winter flu jab.
Digital Health Passport
The Digital Health Passport is an app for children and young people with long-term health conditions, including asthma. It is free to download and can be used to monitor symptoms, record triggers and set medication reminders. You can also upload a copy of your PAAP so that it is easy to access, update and share with relevant people who may look after you.
Guides to help you manage your asthma
Easy-to-follow guidance on asthma self-management is available in multiple languages here.