How should parents manage an acute asthma attack in children?
Bronchial asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that can cause episodes of breathlessness, wheezing, and persistent coughing, particularly at night, in the early morning, or following exposure to allergens. These episodes are known as acute asthma attacks. The following guidance helps families recognize early signs of an acute asthma attack in children, enabling timely treatment and reducing the risk of severe attacks that may require hospitalization. It also helps parents seek medical care promptly when necessary.
1. Early signs of an acute asthma attack parents should watch for
- Persistent coughing, especially at night or during physical activity
- Wheezing or noisy breathing
- Easy fatigability, reduced activity or play, complaints of chest tightness, or difficulty breathing
- Symptoms lasting more than 10 minutes without improving spontaneously
2. What should parents do when their child has an asthma attack?
- Stay calm and help the child sit upright or hold the child in an upright position with the head elevated. Avoid letting the child cry excessively.
- Stop the child from running or playing, and help them calm down if they are crying or laughing excessively.
- Immediately remove the child from asthma triggers, such as cigarette smoke, dust, and furry animals.
- Use Ventoline (reliever medication) as prescribed by the doctor:
- Children under 5 years of age: Administer 2–3 puffs. If the attack does not resolve, repeat every 15–20 minutes during the first hour, for up to three reliever treatments in that hour.
- Children aged 5 years and older: Administer 2–4 puffs every 15–20 minutes during the first hour.
- A spacer is recommended to help deliver the medication more effectively into the lungs.
- Monitor the child’s response:
- If the child coughs less and breathes more easily, continue monitoring them at home. Continue prescribed preventive medication, and the dose may be increased according to the personalized asthma action plan provided by the doctor.
- If the child does not improve or their condition worsens, seek medical attention immediately.
3. Warning signs that require immediate emergency care
- Severe difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, or chest retractions
- Bluish lips, extreme exhaustion, or altered consciousness
- Inability to speak or play
- Failure to respond after repeated use of reliever medication
4. Daily care for children with asthma: Preventing acute asthma attacks
- Ensure that the child takes preventive medication regularly as prescribed by the doctor, even when there are no symptoms.
- Periodically check the child’s inhaler technique.
- Avoid asthma triggers, including cigarette smoke, dust, strong odors, and air pollution.
- Always keep reliever medication available when the child goes to school or participates in outdoor activities.
5. Key message for parents
Asthma does not have to be a barrier to a child’s activities when it is treated appropriately.
Close collaboration between families and healthcare professionals plays an important role in controlling asthma in children.
Parents should consult their doctor to obtain a personalized asthma action plan for their child.
6. References
Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) and the Vietnamese Ministry of Health’s Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Bronchial Asthma.
The information above is for reference purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please contact your doctor for detailed medical consultation.