This World Asthma Day (6 May), NHS Kent and Medway is working to make sure every child with asthma has a management plan in place.
This year's theme is ‘making inhaled treatments accessible for all,’ and doctors are encouraging children and young people with asthma to come forward for lifesaving checks.
Last winter, around 12 children per day attended urgent care settings in Kent and Medway due to their asthma.
If your child is on the right asthma treatment, their risk of an attack is greatly reduced. Signs their asthma could be better controlled include:
- breathlessness
- coughing or wheezing
- a tight chest
- symptoms waking them at night
- using a reliever inhaler more than usual.
Contact your GP practice if you notice any of these symptoms and make sure your child is reviewed by a healthcare professional at least once a year.
An asthma action plan helps you know what to do if it gets harder for your child to breathe. Your child’s school should also have a copy, so they know what to do.
Dr Faye Hinsley, Clinical Lead for Children and Young People at NHS Kent and Medway said: “If your child is receiving the correct treatment, their asthma symptoms should be controlled.
"It’s important your child sees a healthcare professional every year for their inhaler check and gets their written asthma management plan updated.
“If you are concerned their asthma symptoms are getting worse, please contact your GP practice.”
Asthma can be fatal for young people. Get your child’s breathing sorted. Get their medication checked every year. Contact your GP practice.
Visit www.SaferAsthma.co.uk to find out more.
