Key points about asthma
- asthma is a condition that leads to narrowing of the airways of the lungs
- symptoms include wheeze, cough and difficulty breathing
- common asthma triggers are colds (viruses), exercise, dust, pollens and cigarette smoke
What is asthma?
Asthma is a common breathing condition. It affects the small and medium-sized airways (bronchi) in the lungs.
In asthma, your child's airways are inflamed and there is:
- swelling of the airway wall
- an increase in mucus or phlegm
- tightening of the muscle in the airway wall (see the image at the top of the page)
These changes cause narrowing of your child's airways. This leads to wheezing, cough and difficulty with breathing.
Wheezing is a musical, whistly sound that tamariki make, usually when breathing out. It can also happen when they breathe in. The sound comes from the chest, not from the nose or throat.
Why some children have asthma
One in 4 tamariki in New Zealand will have asthma at some time during childhood.
It is not clear why some tamariki have asthma when others do not.
Asthma in tamariki is more likely if:
- a mother smoked during pregnancy
- a child has eczema, hay fever or allergies
- there is asthma in the family - parent, brother or sister
- one or both parents have an allergic condition such as asthma, hay fever or eczema
Modern Western lifestyle may play a part in the rise in asthma that has happened over the last few decades. Changes in housing, diet and a more hygienic environment may contribute. Outdoor environmental pollution may make asthma symptoms worse but it does not actually cause asthma. Experts continue to study the reasons for the increase in asthma.
Causes of an asthma attack
Tamariki and rangatahi with asthma have airways that are sensitive and react to certain triggers.
Some tamariki have asthma all year round. Others may only have it in certain seasons or situations.
Infections
Viruses like colds and the flu can cause some tamariki to have worse asthma symptoms which may lead to an asthma attack.
Allergies
If your child is allergic to things like pollens, grass, dust or pet fur, this can worsen their asthma.
Irritants
Irritants may trigger asthma attacks. Examples or irritants are air pollution, car exhaust, vapours and mouldy environments.
Tobacco smoke
Tobacco smoke can trigger asthma attacks and can make your child's asthma symptoms worse. All tamariki need a smoke-free environment, wherever they happen to be.
Exercise
Exercise and physical activity are a big part of helping tamariki stay healthy and fit. Exercise is also an important part of asthma management. But, sometimes exercise or activity can trigger an episode of asthma.
Changes in the weather
Some tamariki may find a change in the weather or certain conditions, like cold or damp weather, can make their asthma worse.
Preventing asthma attacks in children
Some tamariki need to be on a preventer medicine.
See the KidsHealth page on the different types of asthma medicines and when to use them.
Other things that can help your child's asthma include:
- living in a smoke-free environment at all times
- keeping your house warm and dry
- where possible, avoiding things that trigger their asthma
Making sure your child's environment is smoke-free
Make sure your child's environment is smoke-free, wherever they happen to be. Asthma increases in tamariki whose parents smoke. Tobacco smoke also triggers asthma attacks and makes a child's asthma more severe. Many environmental factors contribute to asthma. Cigarette smoke is one that you can avoid.
If you want to give up smoking:
- call the free Quitline on 0800 778 778 or text 4006
- check out the Quitline | Me Mutu website
- ask your healthcare provider for support
Keeping your house warm and dry
Keep a symptom diary and a record of possible triggers
Asthma symptoms and triggers may differ from child to child and from time to time. It is useful to know your child's triggers. Keep a symptom diary and keep a record of possible triggers.
Signs and symptoms of asthma
See your doctor and ask about asthma if your child:
- wheezes and coughs with a cold (virus)
- wheezes and coughs after exercise
- wheezes and coughs during the night
- cannot keep up when they are running around with tamariki of the same age
- says they are out of breath or breathless
- complains they feel tired or ask you to carry them (depending on their age) when you go for a walk
- does not run around as much as tamariki of the same age
These are some of the symptoms of asthma in tamariki. But, these symptoms may be due to other less common conditions. Talk to your doctor.
Learning about asthma
Asthma medicines
Find out about the different types of medicines to treat asthma in tamariki.
Online learning tool
The Asthma + Respiratory Foundation NZ website has an online learning tool. There is a version for parents, whānau and caregivers. There is also a version for teachers and other educational specialists. Learn more about asthma - what it is, the symptoms, common triggers, and what to do in an emergency.
Read a booklet about managing your child's asthma in:
English (PDF, 3.59 MB)
Te reo Māori (PDF, 3.06 MB)
Samoan (PDF, 3.05 MB)
Videos to watch
Managing asthma in children and young people.
Treating asthma attacks in children
Find out about mild, moderate and severe asthma attacks and what to do if your child has one.
Will my child grow out of asthma?
Asthma is a long-term condition. The majority of tamariki with asthma have less troublesome asthma as teenagers. Symptoms can appear again in adulthood. If your child has severe asthma, it is more likely to continue or return in later life.
Your child should learn about asthma and gradually take over responsibility for its management, as they become a teenager, with support from you.
Acknowledgements
Photo of inhaler and spacer taken by KidsHealth team.
