What is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition where a person’s airways become overly sensitive to various triggers, leading to episodes of worsening symptoms. During an asthma attack, the muscles surrounding the airways tighten, causing the airways to swell and constrict. This narrowing, combined with the accumulation of mucus, makes breathing difficult.
Common Asthma Triggers
The inflamed airways in people with asthma can be triggered by various environmental allergens, irritants, and weather conditions. Common asthma triggers in children include:
- Environmental allergens: Dust mites, cockroaches, pollen, mold, pet dander, and rodents
- Air irritants: Smoke from bushfires, pollution, dust, chalk dust, strong chemical odors, perfumes, scented soaps, and petrol fumes
- Physical activity: Exercise and other activities that cause children to breathe harder, particularly in cold weather
- Weather conditions: Dry winds and cold air
- Emotional triggers: Intense emotions like yelling, crying, fear, anger, excitement, panic, anxiety, and depression
Symptoms to Watch For
Asthma symptoms can vary depending on the severity of lung inflammation, but common symptoms include:
- Wheezing
- Difficulty breathing
- A feeling of tightness in the chest
- Persistent coughing
These symptoms often worsen at night, in the early morning, or during/after physical activity. If asthma is well-controlled, these symptoms might occur only occasionally.
How to Prevent and Manage Asthma Attacks in Children
Asthma is a long-term condition where inflammation of the airways leads to breathing difficulties during flare-ups. These flare-ups may occur gradually over hours, days, or weeks, or very quickly within minutes. A sudden or severe flare-up is often referred to as an asthma attack.
Managing Asthma with Inhalers and Spacers
1. Preventers: These medications help reduce inflammation in the airways, which can prevent asthma flare-ups and reduce their frequency and severity. 2. Relievers: Blue or grey inhalers provide immediate relief from asthma symptoms by relaxing the muscles around the airways. However, relievers do not address the underlying issue of airway inflammation and excessive mucus production. 3. Spacers: A spacer is a tube-like device that attaches to an inhaler. It helps deliver more medication to the lungs and allows for easier inhalation, reducing the need for perfect inhaler technique.
This approach ensures better management of asthma symptoms and improves the effectiveness of medication.
Who Should Use a Spacer?
Spacers are suitable for both adults and children to use with their inhalers on a regular basis. They are especially beneficial during an asthma attack, when the person may feel stressed and find it challenging to use the inhaler correctly on their own.
How to Teach Your Child to Use an Inhaler with a Spacer:
1. Shake the inhaler thoroughly. 2. Remove the cap and securely attach the inhaler to the back of the spacer. 3. Instruct your child to place the mouthpiece of the spacer in their mouth and create a tight seal with their lips. 4. For younger children, use a mask that attaches to the spacer. 5. Activate the inhaler to release one puff of medication into the spacer. 6. Have your child breathe in and out normally through the spacer four times. 7. If a second dose is required, shake the inhaler again and repeat the process as described.
This method ensures that the medication is effectively delivered and that your child can use the inhaler more easily during stressful moments.