Defeating childhood asthma together

What is childhood asthma?

Childhood asthma (also called pediatric asthma) affects your child’s airways, causing them to become swollen and sensitive. This can make breathing feel tight, uncomfortable, or difficult for your child. Every child’s asthma is different: some have mild symptoms, while others may have more severe asthma that impacts work, rest and play. Triggers also vary for each child. That’s why understanding and managing your child’s asthma is so important.

How common is asthma in children?

Asthma affects around 1 in 11 children in the UK.  It is one of the most common long-term conditions in childhood. Asthma in children is influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, including family history, early-life exposure, and environmental triggers such as pollen, dust, pollution or pet dander.

Can children grow out of asthma?

Every child’s asthma journey is different. Some children find their symptoms improve as they grow, while others may continue to receive treatment. Children with ongoing asthma are more likely to have symptoms as they get older, but regular check-ups can help keep their asthma under control.

With the right care and ongoing reviews, you can help your child breathe easier as they grow.

What are the early signs of asthma in children?

Look out for symptoms like wheezing, a persistent cough, chest tightness, or breathlessness, especially after exercise or during colds. Some children may develop symptoms gradually, with symptoms often appearing after exercise or respiratory infections.

Risk factors such as family history, exposure to tobacco smoke, and early respiratory infections, can increase the likelihood of developing childhood asthma or experiencing more severe asthma symptoms.

A&E visits are common among children with poorly controlled asthma. Regular monitoring and management are very important.

What triggers asthma symptoms?

• Colds and viral infections – these are one of the most common triggers in children
• Exercise or active play, especially in cold air
• Allergies, such as pollen, dust mites, mould, or pet dander
• Smoke, including cigarette smoke, vaping, or log burning fires
• Air pollution and strong smells, like perfumes, cleaning products, or air fresheners
• Emotions and stress, such as excitement, laughter, or anxiety

Knowing what triggers your child’s asthma can help you avoid flare-ups and manage symptoms early.

How does cold weather affect asthma?

Cold air can irritate sensitive airways. A scarf over the mouth and nose can help warm the air before your child breathes it in.

Can allergies make asthma worse?

Yes. Allergies to things like pets, pollen, or dust mites can be asthma triggers. Managing allergies is an important part of asthma care. Allergy skin testing can help identify specific allergens that may be making asthma worse.

How is childhood asthma diagnosed?

Diagnosing asthma in children is a careful, gentle process. My goal is always to understand your child’s breathing issues, so they can get the right support and feel their best.

I will listen to your concerns and ask about your child’s symptoms, health history, and how breathing problems affect their day-to-day life. You can learn more about what to expect from a consultation here.

For older children, simple breathing tests may be used to see how well their lungs are working. If allergies may be playing a role, allergy testing might also be suggested.

In younger children, where some tests aren’t suitable, I will look at patterns in symptoms and how your child responds to treatment over time. This helps me to make the best decision for your child’s care, even without complex testing.

How often should my child have an asthma review?

Reviews should be based on your child and the severity of their asthma symptoms. If symptoms change, worsen, or affect daily activities – or if your child has had recent hospital visits for asthma – it is important to request a review.

How is asthma treated in children?

Treatment often includes long-term asthma medications, such as inhaled corticosteroids, along with other asthma medications. Doctors will often prescribe daily preventer inhalers and a reliever inhaler for wheezing or flare ups. .

Asthma medicines help to keep the lungs calm and ease symptoms quickly. Children with severe or difficult-to-control asthma may need to see an asthma specialist for further management.

Are inhalers safe for children?

Yes. When used correctly, inhalers are safe, effective, and an essential part of managing asthma. They help to ease symptoms and help your child breathe more easily.

What happens if childhood asthma is not treated?

When asthma isn’t well controlled, it can impact your child’s quality of life, causing them to miss school, sports, or time with friends. Over time, ongoing symptoms can increase the risk of more serious asthma attacks, which may sometimes mean a visit to the hospital.

With the right care and support, most children can manage their asthma well and live active, healthy lives.

How can I help manage my child’s asthma at home?

Simple daily steps can make a big difference in managing your child’s asthma. Using prescribed medications and inhalers helps keep symptoms under control and reduces the risk of asthma attacks. Avoiding known triggers where possible, using a spacer, and having their inhaler technique checked regularly can all help your child breathe easier and stay well.

Can children with asthma still play sports?

With good asthma control, most children can run, swim, and join sports just like their friends. Some children may have exercise-induced asthma, where symptoms are triggered by physical activity. With proper management, they can still participate fully in sports.

What should I do if my child has an asthma attack?

If your child has an asthma attack, use their inhaler straight away. Follow their asthma action plan, and seek urgent medical help if symptoms don’t improve.

Severe coughing and breathing problems are warning signs that require urgent medical attention.

NHS data suggests that less than 25% of children with asthma have a personalised asthma action plan. Having a plan is an important part of controlling your child’s asthma. No plan? Speak to your GP or get in touch.

When should I contact a doctor about my child’s asthma symptoms?

Seek help if your child is using their blue inhaler more than three times a week, waking at night with symptoms, or struggling with activities they usually enjoy.

If your child has persistent asthma, or if their symptoms that do not improve with usual treatment, they may require an appointment with a specialist. Regular hospital visits for asthma symptoms are also a clear sign that their management plan needs to be reviewed.

Does Dr Nick have expertise in treating asthma in children?

As a children’s allergy specialist, I have spent more than 25 years helping families understand and manage allergic conditions, including asthma.

I trained in Birmingham, Liverpool and hospitals across the Midlands. As well as holding degrees in medicine, pharmacology, and child health, I am a certified European Paediatric Allergist. This means I have spent many years studying how children’s immune systems and airways work, and how to keep them healthy.

In my NHS role, I lead one of the busiest allergy services in the region, caring for around 3,000 children each year. Many of these children have asthma or allergy-related breathing symptoms. I have helped to shape national guidelines, improve allergy services across the UK, and support healthcare professionals who look after children with asthma and allergies. I’ve also recently been awarded the title of honorary professor for my teaching work at The University of Birmingham.

Above all, I believe that every child deserves the chance to breathe well, play freely and feel safe. My role is to reassure and empower parents and give children with asthma and allergies the best possible start.