When Your Child Has Asthma: Practical Steps for Parents

What Triggers Asthma?

Asthma symptoms are often triggered by specific things in your child’s environment. Common triggers include:

• Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, pet dander and mould
• Irritants like cigarette smoke, strong smells and air pollution
• Infections, especially colds and flu
• Exercise, particularly in cold or dry air

Not all triggers can be avoided completely. The aim is to reduce exposure where possible and recognise patterns early.

What You Can Do at Home

Here are some simple ways to manage your child’s asthma with more confidence.

Keep the bedroom low-dust

Dust mites collect easily where children sleep. Removing carpets, curtains and soft toys from the bedroom helps. Use anti-dust mite covers on pillows and mattresses, and wash bedding in hot water (around 60°C) every one to two weeks.

Control indoor humidity

Damp environments encourage mould growth. Use a dehumidifier to keep humidity between 30% and 50%. It’ll help children with sensitive airways to breathe easier.

Limit smoke and strong odours

Keep your child away from tobacco smoke, strong perfumes and harsh cleaning products. These can irritate the airways quickly.

Reduce exposure to polluted air

During haze or near construction areas, keep windows closed and avoid staying outdoors for too long. Wearing a mask may help when going outside is unavoidable.

Manage pet allergens

If your child is allergic to pets, keep them out of the bedroom or reduce close contact where possible.

Using Asthma Medication Properly

Medication plays an important role in keeping asthma under control.

• Give preventer or reliever medication as prescribed, and follow your child’s asthma action plan for when to use different medicines and what to do if symptoms change.
• Check inhaler technique regularly. Many children need a spacer to ensure the medicine reaches the lungs properly.
• Keep track of supplies. Replace inhalers and spacers when they are empty or worn out. Correct use makes a clear difference in symptom control.

Keeping Up with Vaccinations

Stay protected from colds and flu as respiratory infections often worsen asthma symptoms.

• Keep your child up to date with recommended vaccinations, including the yearly flu vaccine
• Encourage good hand hygiene
• Allow your child to rest and recover fully when unwell

Creating A Supportive Environment For Your Child

Asthma management works best when everyone, including family members and school staff, understands what to do. When adults respond calmly and consistently, children feel safer and more confident.

At home

Make sure family members and caregivers know how to recognise symptoms and use the inhaler.

At school

Inform teachers and school staff about your child’s asthma. Provide them with a copy of the asthma action plan and let them know where the inhaler is kept.

Keeping Your Child Active

Although exercise may trigger asthma symptoms, physical activity, when done safely, is good for children with asthma. It supports lung health, fitness and overall well-being.

General tips for safe exercise

• Speak to your child’s doctor before starting new activities
• Start with lower-impact options such as walking, swimming, dancing or cycling, and increase intensity gradually
• Watch for signs of discomfort or breathlessness
• Make sure your child stays well hydrated

With the right precautions, most children can take part in regular activities.

When Exercise Triggers Symptoms

Some children experience asthma symptoms during or after physical activity. This is known as exercise-induced asthma (EIA).

Common signs

• Coughing during or after exercise
• Slower recovery compared to peers
• Unusual tiredness or shortness of breath
• Wheezing or chest tightness

This happens because fast breathing during exercise brings cooler, drier air into the lungs, which can irritate sensitive airways.

How to Support Your Child During Exercise

Before activity

Use pre-exercise medication if prescribed by your doctor. Encourage a short warm-up, such as gentle walking or stretching.

Choosing activities

Sports with natural breaks are often better tolerated. Examples include swimming, walking, martial arts, yoga, dance, badminton, basketball and football. Let your child rest when needed.

During activity

Ensure your child carries their inhaler. Encourage regular sips of water. Teach your child to stop and rest if symptoms start. Make sure teachers, coaches and caregivers are aware of your child’s asthma and know what to do if symptoms occur

After activity

A gradual cool-down of five to ten minutes can help reduce symptoms.

Monitoring

Keep note of any exercise-related symptoms and discuss them with your doctor. Adjustments to the asthma action plan may be needed.

Building Steady Routines Over Time

Asthma management is not about strict rules. It’s about noticing what helps your child breathe more comfortably and keeping those habits consistent. Over time, these routines make asthma easier to manage and less disruptive to daily life.

With the right support, asthma should not stop children from learning, playing or staying active.

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