Asthma and allergies are among the most common maladies in children.

By 2022, it was estimated some 10.1 per cent of Australian boys under 14 and 6.2 per cent of girls suffered asthma.

In addition, between 4-8 per cent of Australian children suffer some type of food allergy.

The most common food allergens are cow’s milk (dairy), eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, sesame, soy, fish, shellfish and wheat.

At their mildest, these allergies are an inconvenience and can affect a young person’s quality of life.

At their worst, like asthma, they can be deadly.

That is why early diagnosis of asthma and allergies in children coupled with a proper management plan is critical to ensure the best possible outcomes for young sufferers.

Diagnosing asthma

Asthma is a chronic lung condition that causes airways to become inflamed and narrow leading to breathing difficulties.

It can be triggered by a range of factors including allergens, exercise, cold air, mould and respiratory infections – even thunderstorms.

The result is wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and chest tightness as the sufferer gasps for air.

If you suspect your child may be asthmatic, a visit to a GP is crucial where a spirometry test will measure lung function.

Managing asthma

The key to managing asthma is to always be prepared!

To do this, work closely with your GP who will help you develop a personalised action plan, detailing daily treatments as well as what to do in an emergency.

This will include medications and trigger avoidance strategies as well as steps to take during an asthma attack.

Medications

Asthma medications are normally divided between ‘preventers’ and ‘relievers’.

Preventer medication, sometimes called controller medication, is taken daily to reduce inflammation and prevent symptoms.

It is vitally important these meds are taken even when no symptoms are present.

Reliever medication is only required when suffering an attack and is designed to quickly open up airways.

Trigger avoidance

The old saying ‘prevention is better than cure’ holds perfectly true for asthma sufferers.

By limiting or removing exposure to triggers, you reduce the chances of a potentially deadly attack.

This may mean keeping children away from smoke, pollution and allergens which are the most difficult of all as they are often not so easily detected.

Use air purifiers to ensure your home’s air is clean and remains well ventilated.

Encourage physical activity but be mindful that occasionally, it too can lead to asthma symptoms.

Use reliever medication before exercise if recommended by your GP.

Diagnosing allergies

Allergies in children often present without warning and are not always easy to instantly identify, especially when triggered by food.

They occur when the immune system overreacts to particular substances such as pollen, dust mites, insect stings, certain foods or pet dander which are skin cells shed by animals with fur or feathers.

Penicillin is also a common and particularly dangerous allergen.

Many reactions are limited to sneezing, runny or blocked noses, itchy eyes and sometimes skin rashes.

But in more severe cases, usually related to food allergies or bee stings, it can lead to anaphylaxis and be fatal if untreated.

When evaluating potential allergens, keep a diary of your child’s reactions.

Record the environmental conditions as well as what they were eating.

For accurate diagnoses, allergies normally require a range of skin prick tests to identify the exact culprit.

Managing allergies

Like asthma, preparedness is critical in the management of allergies.

This involves removing exposure to triggers which cause allergies and always having emergency medication on hand.

In the case of a penicillin allergy, it may be necessary for the child to wear a medical ID bracelet.

These bracelets can also be useful for children who have food allergies.

Trigger avoidance

Strategies vary depending on the particular allergy and may include the use of dust mite covers on bedding or keeping pets out of bedrooms.

In the case of a food intolerance, it may be necessary to work with a dietician to develop a safe and nutritious diet plan.

Education is also essential so the child understands the seriousness of their allergy.

That means always reading labels on foods, asking for clarification before eating food being offered  by others and taking responsibility for their own condition.

If not certain about the contents and safety of a particular food, tell them not to eat it.

It is okay to say ‘no’ to an adult.

If your child needs an Epipen, make sure they have the confidence to use it properly if necessary. 

Also ensure any teachers or caregivers are aware of your child’s allergy and know what to do in an emergency.

Medications

These vary widely depending on the allergen.

Unlike asthma, there is no preventative medication.

When symptoms arise, over-the-counter antihistamines, nasal sprays and eye drops are usually the first lines of defence.

For more serious cases including the danger of anaphylaxis, your child may need to carry an epinephrine auto-injector (Epipen) with them at all times.

The pen injects up to 0.3mg of adrenaline and works within minutes, assisting breathing, heart function and blood pressure for up to 20 minutes, before symptoms begin to return.

This allows the patient time to seek emergency medical care.

Book an appointment

The incidences of asthma and allergies in children is growing.

If you have any suspicion your child may be suffering from one of them, book an appointment now.

Early diagnosis is essential to limit the chances of a serious medical emergency and to be prepared for it if it arises.

Bring your child to your appointment so your GP can talk to them about the challenges and dangers of their condition in a calm and appropriate way.

Regular check-ups with your GP and other medical specialists can help monitor the condition.

While asthma is a lifelong disease with no cure, some children outgrow certain allergies.

Your GP may also be able to suggest some local or online support groups for families who have children with asthma and allergies.

For advice and support for your child’s asthma, you can book an appointment here today at either our Seaford Road Day and Night Clinic or our Seaford Meadows Day and Night Clinic.