It can be unnerving having a child with asthma, particularly as we ease into winter and the colder weather exacerbates symptoms. But you’re not alone, with one in six Australians* living with the condition, which most commonly presents in children under six.
Did you know that four-fifths (84%) of asthma sufferers say that their symptoms worsen during the cold, flu and allergy seasons, and a further one in three forget to take their preventer medication as prescribed? But you can control asthma says Amcal Senior Pharmacist James Nevile.*
Here are James’ top tips to keep your child’s asthma in check this winter:
1. Know their triggers – Whether it’s cold air, exercise, or pollens, know what triggers their asthma and adjust activity accordingly. A great way to do this is to keep a diary where you can document times asthma worsens in order to discuss with your pharmacist or GP. Your child should have an asthma action plan which will help to manage their asthma to ensure they don’t need to avoid playing outside or taking part in team sport.
2. Be pragmatic – Working with your GP on an asthma action plan is often the best way to manage asthma – so it is important to follow it. In addition to using preventer medicines as prescribed, ensure reliever medications are always at the ready, and that school teachers and sport coaches are provided with your child’s asthma management plan so they can be prepared should an asthma flare-up occur. And if you do notice wheezing or coughing in an undiagnosed child, be sure to head to your pharmacist or GP for that check-up.
3. Put some fun in prevention – Your child will be using his or her asthma medication regularly as part of their asthma action plan, so turn it into a bit of a game to ensure the process is perceived positively. If your child is particularly young, make up a song to go with the process or associate the act of using the puffer with a reward, such as before your child watches TV after school or plays with their toys before bed. Chat to your pharmacist about spacer devices too, as these will deliver more medicine to where it is needed* and help the process run more smoothly.
4. Be prepared for sports and activities – During strenuous activity, we tend to breathe through our mouths – allowing the cool, dry air directly into out lungs causing shortness of breath and coughing. But asthma doesn’t have to keep your child out of the game if you have followed your child’s asthma action plan and are prepared ahead of that soccer match or cross country carnival.^ Stop and go team sports are great for asthmatics, as are activities conducted in a humid environment such as swimming. If your child is starting a new sport, speak to your GP prior to ensure their asthma action plan is updated.
5. Know when they need to take it easy – People with pre-existing or undiagnosed asthma notice a worsening of symptoms when they are struck down with a cold or flu. Rather than encouraging your child to troop on, it’s best to ensure they take some time out to rest. If you keep their fluids up and ensure they get ample sleep, they’ll be back to their full energy levels much faster than if they try to push through!
*Research conducted by Amcal through the Online Research Unit based on 1000 adult respondents (April 2016)
*The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne. (2016). Asthma. Retrieved from
^ Better Health Channel. (2016). Asthma and exercise. Retrieved from
For more information on asthma symptoms, triggers and treatment options visit: http://www.amcal.com.au/respiratory
__small.png)
