Asthma affects many children, and while it can be frightening, it’s very manageable with the right knowledge and care. Understanding what asthma is, how to spot it, and exactly what to do during an attack means you can respond calmly and effectively when it counts.
What is asthma?
Asthma happens when the small airways in the lungs become narrower, making it harder to breathe. The airways become inflamed and swollen, mucus builds up, and the muscles around them tighten, squeezing the passages even smaller. This makes it hard for air to move in and out, especially breathing out. That’s why children with asthma often wheeze, cough, and struggle for breath.
How to recognise asthma
Signs to watch for include:
- Breathing problems, shortness of breath even at rest, a tight feeling in the chest, working hard to breathe, speaking in short sentences or phrases, or seeming unusually tired and low on energy
- Wheezing, a whistling sound as they breathe, caused by the narrowed airways
- Coughing, often worse at night or early morning, in cold weather, or after exercise (though coughing alone doesn’t always mean asthma)
Severe asthma, the signs that mean act now
In serious cases, asthma can become life-threatening. Call an ambulance immediately if your child:
- Is struggling to breathe, only able to speak in short phrases or single words
- Becomes very distressed, exhausted, or limp (floppy)
- Shows sucking movements around the base of the neck or chest as they fight to breathe
- Has lips, nose, or ears turning blue
What to do during an asthma attack
If your child has an Asthma Action Plan, follow the steps in it. If you don’t have one, or don’t have medication, here’s what to do.
The 4x4x4 asthma first aid steps:
- Sit them upright and stay calm. Reassure them, staying calm helps them stay calm.
- Give the blue puffer. Shake it. If you have a spacer, give 1 puff through it, then have your child take 4 breaths. Repeat until you’ve given 4 puffs total (4 breaths after each puff).
- Wait 4 minutes. Watch your child closely. If there’s no improvement, repeat the puffer and breathing steps.
- Call an ambulance if there’s still no improvement.
If your child has no Asthma Action Plan or medication: don’t wait or hesitate, take them straight to the doctor or hospital, or call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
When to see your GP
If your child has had any breathing trouble, wheezing, or coughing, it’s worth seeing your GP to find out whether it’s asthma. If it is, they’ll help you create an Asthma Action Plan, which tells you how to prevent attacks and exactly how to manage them. Always know where your child’s medication is kept.
The key things to remember
Recognise the early signs, know the 4x4x4 steps, and never hesitate to call for help if there’s no medication or no improvement. With the right preparation, asthma can be managed safely and your child can live a healthy, active life.
Our Baby & Child First Aid course includes a full demonstration of using an inhaler and spacer and managing an attack, taught by a frontline paramedic.
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always follow the guidance of a qualified health professional. In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.