Asthma and Children

Asthma and children often go hand in hand. Asthma is the most common chronic medical condition affecting children in the UK and evidence suggests that the numbers are growing. One reason for the increase in asthma and children is that until recent years many children were left undiagnosed; parents, doctors and schools, would believe the children to be ‘chesty‘ or have recurring bronchitis. This thankfully is a theory no longer subscribed to, as education into asthma and children has improved enormously.

With regard to asthma and children you have a much greater chance of having children with asthma if you, or a close relative, also suffers. It is important that if you have children and asthma, they are treated with understanding, but not made to feel any awkwardness over their condition - especially in the school environment. Teachers in their schools must be made aware of all aspects involving asthma and children and know how to recognise symptoms; be conscious of potential triggers and appreciate the medications involved, in particular their inhalers. To ensure rapid treatment for any children suffering an asthma attack, schools need a plan for such a medical emergency with components that range from delivery of medication to the schools on site, to phoning for an ambulance. Should a child suffer an asthma attack, which is dealt with in the school, staff should also identify the need for some delicate counselling , as the sufferer will feel a degree of embarrassment; often the case with children and asthma.

When studying asthma and children there is no reason why children - whose asthma is under control - cannot play most sports in schools. Indeed, exercise helps develop muscles around the lung and increases stamina. In the past children with asthma may have sometimes missed out due lack of knowledge on asthma and children amongst staff in the schools. Equally though, that same ignorance can have an opposite effect, especially with regard the insensitive schools instructors, who through lack of understanding of asthma and children, can push a youngster too hard. This can have a knock on effect on the children and lead to some teasing from fellow pupils, who unfortunately are often ruthlessly unsympathetic, without full possession of the facts about the asthma. Once again this emphasises how essential it is for everyone concerned to be informed of the details of children and asthma.