Asthma attacks in children: what you can do

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease . In addition to permanent symptoms, such as a long-lasting cough and heavy, wheezing breathing, there are also dangerous asthma attacks. Here you can find out how to behave properly in such a situation. The disease most often develops between the ages of four and five. In about 40-50%, however, the asthma disappears during growth. But until that happens, your child has to live with the symptoms. Because of this, it’s important that you know how to help him when he has an asthma attack.

signs of asthma

• Frequent colds that are difficult to clear
• wheezing
• Frequent and persistent coughing without having a cold
• Low resilience
• Coughing fits, especially in the morning and evening

What happens during an asthma attack?

During an asthma attack, the bronchi constrict spasmodically and the bronchial mucosa swells. More mucus is produced. This becomes thicker and blocks the opening of the bronchi. All of this leads to the typical shortness of breath

How do you recognize an asthma attack?

Allergic asthma attacks occur when your child comes into contact with irritants, for example. If it has a pollen allergy and breathes in the relevant pollen outside, an attack can occur. The same can also happen with food allergies , animal hair allergies or allergies to mold spores. In such a case, your child will have severe breathing problems or shortness of breath, and in the event of acute attacks, they will not want to lie flat on their back.

How to act correctly in an asthma attack

If you are already familiar with your child’s symptoms, make sure that there is always a full asthma inhaler in the medicine cabinet. So you can give it to your child in an emergency. Your child should always carry their inhaler with them on excursions or at school and of course know how to use it.

If you have an asthma attack, you should try to remain as calm as possible. Your child orients itself on your reaction and if you panic, this mood transfers to your child and thus only worsens his condition.

Measures if the inhaler is not immediately to hand

• Pursed lip: The term stands for a breathing technique that makes inhaling easier. Your child breathes normally through their nose. When exhaling, however, the child must slowly blow the air out through slightly pressed lips. This prevents the bronchial area from collapsing when exhaling quickly.
• The coach seat: This is a posture that also makes breathing easier. Sit your child on a chair, then bend them slightly forward so that they can support themselves with their forearms on their slightly spread thighs. Your child’s hands must be dangling between their thighs.

If your child’s situation gets worse during an asthma attack and there is no improvement in sight, you must call the emergency services. It is then an emergency.