Background

Asthma is one of the most common chronic conditions in children, yet it often goes unrecognised or is mistaken for repeated infections or minor breathing issues. As a result, children may continue to miss school, avoid play, or limit physical activity. Poorly controlled asthma can also lead to sleep disturbances, emergency visits, and avoidable disruptions to a child’s growth and confidence.  These challenges are often not just due to the condition itself, but also how it is managed.^1,2

The growing emphasis on improving access to anti-inflammatory inhaled treatments also brings attention to how these therapies are understood and used in everyday life. Understanding the role of inhaled treatment and using the right device correctly, as part of a doctor’s recommended plan, can make a meaningful difference in helping children manage asthma better. 

To support parents in navigating asthma treatment, here are answers to some commonly asked questions.

Q1. What Signs Suggest That My Child’s Asthma is Not Well Controlled?^3,4

Signs of poorly controlled asthma in children include frequent symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, breathlessness, or chest tightness, especially if they occur during the day or at night. Waking up at night due to symptoms, needing quick-relief medication often, or avoiding play and physical activity are also important indicators. Missing school or requiring emergency care for flare-ups may suggest the condition is not well managed. Parents should consult their doctor if these signs are noticed. 

Q2. Why Does My Child Need Daily Medication Even When They Feel Fine?^5,6

Asthma treatment typically includes two types of medicines; quick-relief medications for immediate symptoms and daily controller medications to manage the condition over time. Even when a child feels well, asthma can still be active in the airways. Daily controller medication helps reduce underlying inflammation, prevent the airways from narrowing, and lower the risk of future flare-ups. As part of a doctor-recommended asthma action plan, regular use is important to maintain control and prevent sudden worsening of symptoms.

Q3. Can Asthma Treatment Be Stopped Once Symptoms Improve?⁵

Improvement in symptoms does not always mean that asthma is no longer active. The airways can remain sensitive, and stopping treatment too early may increase the risk of symptoms returning. While some children may experience a reduction in symptoms as they grow older, asthma can reappear later in life. It is therefore important to continue treatment as prescribed and consult a doctor before making any changes to the asthma management plan.

Q4. How Important is The Correct Use of Inhalation Devices in Children?^7,8

Correct use of inhalation devices is essential for effective asthma management in children. These devices deliver medicine directly to the lungs, but how well they work depends on choosing the right device and using it correctly. Options such as inhalers (often with spacers) and nebulisers are selected based on a child’s age and ability. For younger children, spacers or nebulisers can make it easier to receive the full dose, while poor technique or movement during use may reduce effectiveness. Learning the correct method from a healthcare provider and reviewing it regularly helps ensure the child receives the prescribed dose and achieves better control.

Q5. How Can Parents Support Better Asthma Management in Children?

Managing asthma in children requires a consistent and structured approach. Following a doctor-recommended asthma action plan, ensuring regular use of prescribed medication, and using the correct device technique are key. Monitoring symptoms, attending follow-up visits, and recognising early signs of worsening can also help prevent flare-ups. With the right guidance and support, children with asthma can participate fully in school, sports, and daily activities.

References:

[1] https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/asthma

2Singh S, Salvi S, Mangal DK, Singh M, Awasthi S, Mahesh PA, Kabra SK, Mohammed S, Sukumaran TU, Ghoshal AG, Barne M, Sinha S, Kochar SK, Singh N, Singh U, Patel KK, Sharma AK, Girase B, Chauhan A, Sit N, Siddaiah JB, Singh V. Prevalence, time trends and treatment practices of asthma in India: the Global Asthma Network study. ERJ Open Res. 2022 May 30;8(2):00528-2021. doi: 10.1183/23120541.00528-2021. PMID: 35651368; PMCID: PMC9149387.

3 https://www.lung.org/blog/uncontrolled-asthma-vs-severe

4 Fainardi V, Saglani S. An approach to the management of children with problematic severe asthma. Acta Biomed. 2020 Sep 7;91(3):e2020055. doi: 10.23750/abm.v91i3.9603. PMID: 32921752; PMCID: PMC7717010.

5 https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/6776-asthma-in-children

6 McCrossan P, Shields MD, McElnay JC. Medication Adherence in Children with Asthma. Patient Prefer Adherence. 2024 Mar 5;18:555-564. doi: 10.2147/PPA.S445534. PMID: 38476591; PMCID: PMC10929205.

7https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/childhood-asthma/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351513

8https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/nebulizer-inhaler.html#:~:text=Dry%20powder%20inhalers%20deliver%20medicine,5%20or%206%20years%20old.

Disclaimer: This information is only for general awareness and is neither intended nor expected to promote, use, or endorse any product or encourage use of medicines or treatment in any way nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice nor for diagnosis or treatment/cure of any medical condition. The views expressed are independent opinion based on studies from validated qualified sources. Your discretion must be exercised before using the information for consulting doctor. Please consult your doctor/Registered Medical Practitioner before starting any treatment/medicine/ inhaler. This is being used only as a reference to create awareness and is NOT an advertisement.