What is asthma?
Asthma is a chronic condition that causes difficulty in breathing. The airways to and in the lungs are narrowed temporarily. Asthma can be mild or severe. An episode can last from minutes to hours or even days.
Asthma can be life threatening — if your child is finding it difficult to breathe, take them to the nearest hospital emergency department or call triple zero (000).
Using an inhaler and spacer to deliver asthma medications to the airways can help alleviate your child’s asthma symptoms.
What are the symptoms of asthma?
Your child might have asthma if they suddenly have trouble breathing, and cough or make a wheezy sound when they breathe. They are likely to talk about how they feel or appear distressed. A severe asthma attack is very upsetting because your child will feel that they are unable to get enough air.
Symptoms and signs to be aware of include:
coughing (especially at night), which might be the only sign
wheezing and shortness of breath
chest tightness
waking during the night
breathing feeling 'tight', lethargy or lack of interest in physical activity
Get urgent medical attention if your child has any of the following symptoms and signs:
difficulty breathing, seen as rapid breaths, inward movement of the chest wall while breathing in, and grunting while breathing out
inability to speak
bluish lips, a sign that not enough oxygen is reaching the body
tightness in the chest
constant coughing or wheezing that does not respond to prescribed medicines
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