Parents with children who suffer from asthma attacks know how easily they can be triggered. Asthma makes breathing difficult at times and causes wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and tightness in the chest. If your child has a sudden onset of any of these symptoms, this is an asthma attack, which can be identified if:
their reliever (inhaler) isn't helping or lasting over four hours
their symptoms are getting worse (cough, breathlessness, wheeze or tight chest)
theyre too breathless or it's difficult to speak, eat or sleep
their breathing may get faster and they can't catch their breath properly
they complain of a tummy ache.
If a child is having an asthma attack:
have them take one to two puffs of their inhaler (usually blue), immediately
sit them down and try to calm them to take slow, steady breath
if they do not start to feel better, have them take two puffs of their inhaler (one puff at a time) every two minutes. They can take up to 10 puffs.
if they do not feel better after taking their inhaler as above, or if you are worried at any time, call 999.
if an ambulance does not arrive within 10 minutes and they are still feeling unwell, repeat step 3.
If their symptoms improve and you dont call 999, they should still see a doctor or asthma nurse within 24 hours.
Do not be afraid of causing a fuss, even at night. If you go to A&E (accident and emergency) or are admitted to hospital, take details of their medicines with you if possible.
For more information on asthma visit: www.asthma.org.uk/advice-asthma-attacks or NHS Choices: www.nhs.uk