Asthma in Children: A Parent and First Responder’s Guide to Recognising and Managing Attacks

“When it comes to keeping little ones safe, every parent, teacher, and caregiver knows it can feel like a full-time job! In this childcare first aid blog series, we’ll dive into the must-know first aid essentials for childcare and education settings—straight from a mum and registered nurse who’s seen it all, both at home and on the job. Whether it’s wrangling kids with skinned knees or managing a sudden allergic reaction, I’ve got the real-world tips (and the tales) to help you stay calm and confident when things go sideways. Let’s get started with practical, no-nonsense first aid guidance that cuts through the jargon—because when things get messy, knowing what to do makes all the difference.”

Asthma. Just one word can strike a degree of alarm in every parent and caregiver’s heart. It’s a condition we wish wouldn’t affect our children, but for many, it’s a daily reality. Knowing how to manage, stay calm, and respond to an asthma event can feel overwhelming. In this guide, we’ll step through what to look out for and what to do if your child, or a child in your care, experiences an asthma attack.

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic condition that affects the airways, making it harder to breathe. When a person with asthma is exposed to certain triggers, their airways can swell, narrow, and produce extra mucus.

In Australia, asthma is particularly common, affecting around 1 in 10 children. For young Australians, triggers can range from common allergens like pollen and dust mites to environmental factors such as bushfire smoke or changes in weather. Understanding these triggers can help you minimise exposure and better manage asthma in children.

Recognising Asthma Symptoms in Children

Children may experience asthma differently depending on their age, severity of the condition, and exposure to triggers. Here’s what to look out for:

• Mild Symptoms:
  • Persistent cough (often worse at night or early morning).
  • Slight wheezing (a whistling sound when breathing).
  • Minor chest tightness or discomfort.
• Moderate Symptoms:
  • Louder, more persistent wheezing.
  • Increased difficulty breathing.
  • Reduced energy or fatigue from breathing effort.
• Severe Symptoms (Medical Emergency):
  • Gasping for breath or very fast breathing.
  • Inability to speak more than a few words at a time.
  • Blue lips, tongue, or fingertips (cyanosis).

For babies and toddlers, signs may include feeding difficulties, lethargy, or a soft, high-pitched wheeze that’s easy to miss.

Asthma Action Plans

An asthma action plan is an essential tool for every child with asthma. It’s a written guide, created with your GP, that outlines:

• Everyday medication routines.
• How to recognise worsening symptoms.
• Clear steps to take during an asthma attack.

Make sure you understand the action plan and share it with anyone caring for your child, such as teachers or sports coaches. Keep a copy handy at all times.

Learn more here.

Responding to an Asthma Attack: Step-by-Step Guide

Asthma attacks can escalate quickly, so knowing how to respond is vital.

Mild Attack

1. Stay calm and reassure the child.
2. Help them sit upright and encourage slow, steady breaths.
3. Use their reliever medication (usually a blue puffer) with a spacer.

Moderate Attack

1. Administer 4 puffs of the reliever using the spacer. Shake the puffer before each puff, and ensure the child takes 4 breaths through the spacer for each puff.
2. Wait 4 minutes. If symptoms persist, repeat the 4 puffs.
3. Monitor the child and seek medical help if there’s no improvement.

Severe Attack

1. Call 000 immediately.
2. Administer the reliever medication as outlined in the 4x4x4 method (4 puffs, 4 breaths each, every 4 minutes).
3. Stay with the child, keep them upright, and remain calm.

Prevention and Long-Term Management

Asthma isn’t just about managing attacks—it’s also about prevention and control.

• Identify Triggers: Monitor what triggers symptoms and try to minimise exposure (e.g., using hypoallergenic bedding, avoiding outdoor activities during high-pollen days).
• Daily Medications: Ensure your child takes preventer medications if prescribed, even when they feel well.
• Regular Check-Ups: Work with your GP to keep your child’s asthma under control and adjust their action plan as needed.
• Education: Teach older children about their condition and how to use their medication, empowering them to take an active role in their health.

Asthma in Schools and Daycare

Australian schools and childcare centres are required to have asthma management policies in place. As a parent, you can:

• Ensure your child’s action plan is up to date and shared with teachers or carers.
• Provide a clearly labelled puffer and spacer for use in emergencies.
• Confirm the school has trained staff who can respond to asthma attacks.

Real-Life Scenarios: Staying Calm in the Moment

Let’s look at some examples to bring these steps to life:

• Scenario 1: A child starts coughing and wheezing during a birthday party. Recognising early signs, you help them use their reliever and notify their parents. The symptoms ease, and no further action is needed.
• Scenario 2: During a sports event, a child begins to wheeze and struggles to keep up. Following their asthma plan, you administer the puffer and spacer and monitor their recovery. You advise their parents to book a GP review.
• Scenario 3: A severe attack occurs at home. The child gasps for air and cannot speak. You call 000, administer the reliever, and stay by their side until paramedics arrive.

When to Seek Emergency Help

Insert image – Triple zero; emergency

Call 000 immediately if:

• The child’s symptoms worsen rapidly.
• They struggle to speak or turn blue around the lips or fingers.
• Reliever medication doesn’t help after multiple doses.
• You feel out of your depth, or deeply concerned. Trust your gut.

Remember, paramedics are trained to provide advanced care during asthma emergencies.

First Aid Training for Asthma Management

Managing asthma becomes less daunting with proper knowledge and training. First aid courses often include modules on asthma management, equipping you with the skills to respond confidently.

At My First Aid Course Brisbane, we offer nationally recognised training, including asthma and anaphylaxis management. Our courses are practical, easy to follow, and tailored for parents, carers, and educators. With us, you’ll learn not just how to respond, but how to prevent and manage asthma more effectively.

Wrapping it all up

Asthma doesn’t need to control your child’s life or yours. By understanding the condition, recognising symptoms, and following a clear action plan, you can handle asthma confidently.

Take the next step: educate yourself further by enrolling in a first aid course or speaking to your GP about asthma management. Together, we can ensure our kids stay safe, happy, and breathing easy.