Health Pack Asthma v2

ASTHMA
Health support pack
WWW.CYPHP.ORG | CYPHP ASTHMA | 1

This Health Support Pack has been brought to you by the Children & Young
People’s Health Partnership (CYPHP). CYPHP is a team made up of children’s
health and wellbeing specialists. Our aim is to show that a new evidence-based way
of working with families and health professionals can deliver better health outcomes
for children and young people in Lambeth and Southwark.
This booklet was written by CYPHP clinical staff. Every effort has been made to
ensure that the information is correct and will be subject to periodic review and
updates. All images have been purchased from commercial stock imagery providers
using the appropriate licenses. Resources or links included does not suggest
endorsement by CYPHP and importantly is not a substitute for advice from you own
health professional. As each child is unique, please talk to your child’s health
professional before you act or rely on any information from these resources.
For comments or feedback on this pack please visit www.cyphp.org or contact us at

gst-tr.cyp@nhs.net.
CYPHP can provide this information in a larger format on request. We hope that you
found the information useful.
2021 CYPHP, London, United Kingdom.
If you would like to use or share this resource more widely, please contact
gst-tr.cyp@nhs.net, and cite the Children & Young People’s Health Partnership
(CYPHP).
2 | CYPHP ASTHMA | WWW.CYPHP.ORG

CONTENTS
What is asthma? 4
Staying well - asthma action plan 6
Knowing what triggers your child’s asthma symptoms 7

Common and important triggers 7
Other triggers at home 9
Other triggers outside 10
Other triggers 11
How can I tell what triggers make my child’s asthma worse? 12

The Asthma Tracker 13
How can my child avoid their asthma triggers? 14
What else can I do for my child? 15
General wellbeing and asthma 19

Looking after yourself as a parent/carer
22
Looking after your family
24
Knowing what triggers The four simple steps

your child’s asthma Check out our four simple steps
symptoms on page 18, they could save your
child’s life so make sure you
See page 7 for our useful table of
know them.
common asthma triggers.
Having asthma can affect your child’s emotions and

behaviour
Please see page 19 for suggestions on managing issues that might affect your
child’s wellbeing and page 22 for ideas about looking after yourself as a
parent/carer.

What is Asthma?
Asthma affects the lungs.
The breathing tubes in the lungs can become narrow and inflamed
(swollen) and this makes it harder to breathe.
There are around 3 children in each school class with asthma. Although it may
seem like a common condition, remember that it can be serious. Unfortunately, on
average, 20 children die from asthma every year. Most children who die from
asthma could have been saved with better prevention and care.
Children with asthma have a better chance of living a happy, healthy life if they
follow expert advice on looking after their asthma.
Narrow, inflamed airways make it harder to breathe and harder for oxygen to get
into the blood.
Children with asthma always have slightly inflamed airways, and when they come
into contact with something known as an ‘asthma trigger’ the airways of the lungs
may react in the following ways:
• The muscles surrounding the airways (known as “smooth muscles”) tighten and
squeeze.
• The lining starts to swell.
• Thick mucus (sticky liquid) can build up inside the airways.
We manage asthma by giving medication to reduce the inflammation and sensitivity of

the lungs.
Are there any other conditions linked to asthma?

Hayfever (allergic rhinitis), eczema, and allergies (i.e. food) plus asthma are all
called ‘atopic’, which means they have features in common, and the conditions
often occur together. It is also common for more than one person in a family to
have these conditions. Reducing exposure to allergic triggers and using medication
to improve these atopic conditions will also improve asthma.

Normal Asthmatic Asthmatic airway
airway airway during attack
Tightened
smooth
Relaxed muscles
smooth Air trapped
muscles inside the
lungs
Wall inflamed
and thickened
Children with asthma may have:

A tight chest because the muscles are working harder to move air in and out of the
lungs. Children may say their ‘’chest hurts’’ or that ‘’something is sitting on my chest”
or “my tummy hurts” (children can find it difficult to describe exactly where it hurts).
A dry cough any time of the day or night.
Difficulty taking in a full breath.
Wheezing - hoarse whistling noise. If the breathing tubes are swollen – the hollow/
tube bit is narrower/smaller, then the air will have to squeeze through. This makes the
wheeze noise.
Reduced exercise tolerance.
Fast breathing, breathlessness or respiratory distress.

Staying well - Asthma Action Plan
It is really important for your child to have an asthma
action plan.
Asthma action plans explain how to recognise worsening asthma symptoms
and what to do. The plan should be provided and fully explained to you and
your child by your GP or Practice Nurse, at least every year at your child’s
asthma annual review.
Always remember -If your child needs more than 10 puffs of salbutamol
every 4 hours they need to be seen quickly by a doctor or nurse.
An effective plan should allow your child to:
• Be active. • Attend school regularly.

• Sleep all night. • Stay out of hospital.
• Have fewer symptoms.
Here is what a copy of the

document looks like.
Ask your Practice Nurse or GP
Once your child has a completed
to complete it with you.
asthma action plan:
• Take a photograph of it and keep it on
My Asthma
your phone. That way you always have the
Plan Your ast hma plan
tells you w hen to
And w hat to do
w hen your
information to hand. t ake your ast hma ast hma get s

medicines. worse.
Name:
• Put the plan somewhere everyone can see 1My daily

asthma 2 When
gets
my
asthma
• medicines
M y preventer inhaler is called I’ll
worseknow my asthma
and its colour is is getting worse if:
it, such as on the fridge door. • I take

My asthma medicines
preventer inhaler in the morning and
puff/s of my
puff/s at night. I do this every day even if I

•
•
I wheeze or cough, my chest hurts or it’s
hard to breathe, or
I’m waking up at night because of my
asthma, or
feel well.
• I’m taking my reliever inhaler (usually blue)
• Other asthma medicines I take every day: more than three times a week, or
• Send the plan to anyone that looks after

• M y peak flow is less than
• M y reliever inhaIer is called

and its colour is .
If my asthma gets worse, I
should:
your child so they will know what to do if
I take puff/s of my reliever inhaler
(usually blue) when I wheeze or cough, my K eep taking my preventer medicines
as normal.
chest hurts or it’s hard to breathe.
And also take puff/s of my blue
your child becomes unwell with asthma.

• M y best peak flow is reliever inhaler every four hours.
IfI’mnotgettinganybetterdoing thisI
should seemy doctor or asthma nurse
today.
Does If YES
doing I take:
sport
make it puff/s of my
• Give a copy to your child’s school.

reliever inhaler
hard to Remember to use my
(usually blue)
breathe? beforehand. inhaler with a spacer (if I
have one)
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Knowing what triggers your child’s
asthma symptoms
‘Triggers’ describe the things that make your child’s asthma worse.
Common and important triggers

Trigger Tips to help your child
Viruses/ Viruses and colds are very common triggers. As soon as your child has
Colds symptoms, check your Asthma Action Plan.
If your child has been offered the flu vaccine, it is advisable you take this
as influenza can lead to serious illness. If you would like further
information, please speak to your practice nurse or local vaccination
programme.
Smoking If you smoke or are around a family member who smokes (in or outside of
the home) managing your child’s asthma is going to be a lot harder, even
if you’re following your child’s written asthma plan and your child is taking
all their medications as prescribed. Smoking outside and removing your
jacket once inside of the home does not remove the effect of passive
smoking as the particles linger on hair, skin, clothes and breath.
Smoking or passive smoking can undo the effects of any long term
preventer inhaler your child is taking. It can result in your child needing to
use their reliever inhaler more often. It can also disturb your child’s sleep,
because they cough more at night.
Remember it is against the law to smoke in a car with anyone under the
age of 18 years. Stopping smoking is one of the most important things
you can do to improve your child’s breathing.
It is difficult to stop smoking by yourself. You may find it helpful to look at

the Stop Smoking Advice on page 23.
Exercise Your child should be able to participate in sports/PE the same as

other children. If your child is unable to exercise, walk upstairs and
walk to school (amongst other physical activities) without having
asthma symptoms, speak to a health professional.
Some children take 2 puffs of Salbutamol (reliever inhaler) with a

spacer 10 minutes before exercise if needed.

Dust House dust mites like warm places and are found in bedding,
pillowcases, mattresses and other soft furniture and soft toys.
It’s impossible to clear all dust/house dust mites from your home, but the
following can help:
1. Vacuuming regularly.
2. Dusting with a damp cloth.
3. Limiting soft toys on the bed to one at night time and try not to let
your child sleep with it next to their face. You might try putting soft
toys in the freezer (dust mites hate to be frozen) and/or washing them
regularly.
5. Washing bedding at 60 degrees.
6. Consider choosing laminate or hard flooring instead of carpets.
7. If your child is in a bunk bed, letting them sleep on the top bunk if it is
safe to do so. Lying on the bottom bunk can mean that dust falls onto
the child whilst they are sleeping.
We do not recommend buying anti-allergy bedding or special vacuums.

These are expensive and there is no evidence that they work.
Damp Damp and mould can make asthma worse. Allow air to move around
home as best you can. Open windows if possible.
For more help check out NHS choices How do I get rid of damp and
mould
Remember when you use chemicals to clean off the mould, do this
when your child is out of the house and only let them back in when
the fumes have gone.
If you are concerned about damp, please contact your landlord,

housing association or local council.

Other triggers at home
Pets Dander (dead skin), saliva and urine from furry pets may be a
trigger. It’s best for your child’s asthma that animals are not
allowed into your child’s bedroom.
Wash hands after touching animals.

If your child is going to a house with animals, make sure they have
their salbutamol and spacer with them and check your child’s
Asthma Action Plan.
Bear in mind, if you can remove the animal from the home this
may improve symptoms.
Mice and Keep your home clean and uncluttered.

Cockroaches
Avoid dropping crumbs.
Seal all holes and gaps in walls.

Other triggers outside
Pollution Pollution levels in London and congested areas can be high and this
can make asthma worse. Be aware that air quality is worse where
there is lots of traffic.
Avoid walking or cycling along busy main roads if it is safe to take an

alternative route https://www.london.gov.uk/what-we-
do/environment/pollution-and-air-quality/clean-air-route-finder
Ensure your child walks on the inside of the pavement where

pollution levels are lower.
If you live near a busy road keep windows closed as often as you can.
Pollen Change your child’s clothes when they come home after being
outdoors.
Bathe your child and wash their hair before they go to bed.
Wear sunglasses.
Your child should avoid playing in freshly cut grass.
Dry laundry inside.
Avoid opening windows during high pollen season.
If your child has a blocked or runny nose, you might consider
whether your child might have allergies.
Temperature Heat, humidity and cold weather can be triggers.

Changes
Keep your child warm when it’s cold. Your child should cover their
mouth with a scarf when out in cold weather.
Be are aware that the change in the weather when you go on

holidays abroad may trigger your child’s asthma.

Other triggers
Emotions Sometimes strong emotions can also be a trigger, especially if your

child’s asthma is poorly controlled. You can find some helpful ideas
on dealing with difficult emotions on pages 19 to 21.
Medicines For a small number of children certain medicines such as ibuprofen

can be a trigger. This is rare and most children are fine. If you are
using medicines for the first time we would recommend that you
speak to your local pharmacist to discuss whether this may affect
your child’s asthma.
Strong Paints, perfumes, air fresheners and nail varnish can irritate the
smells & nose and lungs.
fumes Try to avoid places with strong smells as much as possible and use
scent free products in the home.

How can I tell what triggers make
my child’s asthma worse?
Triggers will differ for each child. It is important to work out what triggers matter
to your child.
Here are some ideas that will help you track your child’s triggers. If possible, you
and your child should look at this section together to help identify triggers.
Steps to identify your child’s asthma triggers:

1. Every time your child has a change in their asthma symptoms, make a note of
what they had been doing, that day. There is an example on the next page.
2. Try and do this for at least 7 days to see what triggers your child comes across
or what they did differently.
3. Over time, you will be able to spot patterns and identify the triggers that matter to
your child.
TOP TIP
Remember to be patient as spotting triggers can take time. It might be
useful to set daily reminders on your phone, or use a diary so you and
your child remember to keep a record.
TOP TIP
Try and work on the things you can do every day.
It will get easier with time, and you should find you are doing them
without even having to think about it.

The Asthma Tracker
Where was my child when their asthma got worse?
Home School Outdoors
Other:
When did their asthma get worse?
Morning Afternoon Evening Night
TOP TIP
Make a note of the time and dose of your child’s medication.
What was around your child, or what were they doing, when their asthma
got worse?
Smoke Pets Pests Food
Cleaning Dust Colds/Flu Mould
Exercising Hot or Cold Sleeping Laughing

Weather
Other:

How can my child avoid their
asthma triggers?
Now that you and your child have identified some asthma triggers, your child will need
to stay away from these triggers as much as they can. Not all triggers can be avoided,
but by making some small changes, it might be possible to avoid a lot of them.
You can use the Asthma Trigger Tracker below to remember your child’s triggers and
create plans to avoid them. Write down your child’s triggers that you have identified.
Then, write down some reasons why it is hard to avoid these triggers. Finally, write
some ideas for what you can do. The two rows are an example.
The Asthma Tracker

Reason it’s hard to avoid Ideas for what my
Trigger
these triggers child can do
Cats We own a cat Keep the cat out of

my child’s bedroom
Follow my child’s
Playing My child asthma action plan
football enjoys to take medicine
football before exercising or

playing a game

What else can I do for my child?
It is important to check your medicines are in date and your reliever is kept near your
child at all times.
The preventer (commonly brown, orange or purple inhalers, or tablets) works to

reduce inflammation (swelling) and keep your child’s airways open which reduces the
chance of getting asthma symptoms. They must be taken every day even when
well.
The reliever (blue inhaler) opens your child’s airways quickly, but does not reduce the
chance of an asthma attack in the future or resolve their symptoms
Ask your local pharmacist or check your inhaler technique regularly to make sure it is
working for your child.
Preventer medicines
It is now recommended that all children with asthma take a preventer medicine. The
most common are:
• Montelukast (either granules, chewable tablets or tablets).
• Steroid inhaler.
• Combination inhaler, with a steroid in it and a long acting version of salbutamol.
The majority of children who take these types of medicines correctly, will be able to
control their asthma and should have very few asthma attacks.
All preventers take time to work properly and it is important to take them every day
even when your child is well to prevent asthma symptoms. Generally it takes a
few weeks to see an improvement.
For more information about the medicines your child is on speak to your local
pharmacist or take a look at www.medicinesforchildren.org.uk

Reliever inhalers are your emergency relief
from asthma symptoms
Trigger irritates Airways relax

airways Use a reliever & breathing is
inhaler easier
If you need your reliever more than 3 times a week, contact your GP
or asthma nurse to get your asthma back under control
Reliever inhalers
Everyone with asthma should have a reliever inhaler and carry one with them
everywhere they go. If your child is coughing, feeling wheezy, short of breath, or their
chest feels tight, using this medicine should make them feel much better in 1 to 2
minutes.
Your child’s reliever inhaler does not help prevent or reduce the risk of your child
getting asthma symptoms.
If any of the following applies to your child you should take them to the GP for a
review (Asthma UK & NICE, 2017):
• Has symptoms or takes their reliever inhaler 3 or more days per week.
• Has symptoms or takes their reliever inhaler 1 or more nights per week.
• Has symptoms most weeks.

Ways of remembering to use the preventer every day:
• Set an alarm on your phone.
• Keep the medicine somewhere you will see it every day to act as a reminder.
• Keep your preventer inhaler by your toothbrush. (You should be brushing your
teeth twice a day, so why not take your inhaler at the same time?).
• Stick a post it note on your mirror to remind you.
• Set a reward for taking your medication every day for a whole week.
Preventer inhalers build up asthma protection over time
Reduced
inflammation
Asthma wellness
Using your
preventer inhaler Fewer
symptoms
Protection from
triggers
Even when you’re well, keep taking your preventer every day Time
as prescribed to stay symptom-free
Inhaler technique
1. Always shake your inhaler before use

MDI Spacer
2. Place the mask over your child’s
nose/mouth or mouthpiece into their
mouth with a good seal
3. Your child takes at least 5 steady
breaths in and out (tidal breathing)
4. Go back to step 1 if your child needs a
second puff.
Inhaler
If you are still unsure how to use your
child’s inhaler, you can access videos
NB children over 5 years of age are
online. We recommend Asthma UK expected to use a spacer without a mask.
website and Rightbreathe.

If your child has an asthma attack
How would I know my The 4 simple steps to
child is having an take in an emergency
These steps could save your child’s life so
asthma attack? make sure you know them – and share
them with other people who look after your
• Their reliever inhaler isn’t child, too
helping or lasting 4 hours. Help your child to sit up straight and
• They can’t talk or walk easily. 1………………………………………
stay calm.
• They are breathing harder and Help your child take a puff of their
faster. reliever inhaler (usually blue) every
• They may be coughing or 30-60 seconds, up to a maximum of
wheezing. 2 10 puffs. Remember to shake
between puffs.
• They may complain of a ………………………………………
tummy ache and/or chest Call 999 for an ambulance if:
ache.
Your child’s symptoms get worse
Information on how to manage your while they’re using their inhaler.
child during an asthma attack
should be on their asthma action
3 Your child doesn’t feel better after 10
puffs.
plan.
You’re worried at any time.
………………………………………
Always call 999 immediately While you wait for the ambulance,
if you don’t have a reliever
inhaler with you.
4 reassure your child. Repeat step 2 if
the ambulance takes longer than 15
minutes.
Never be afraid to call 999
if you think your child is
having an asthma attack. After an asthma attack:
• If you dealt with your asthma attack at
home, see your GP today.
Asthma UK, 2017, • If you were treated in hospital, see
https://www.asthma.org.uk your GP within 48 hours of being
discharged to ensure the attack is over
• Finish any medicines they prescribe you,
even if you start to feel better.
• If you don’t improve after treatment, see
18 | CYPHP ASTHMA | WWW.CYPHP.ORG your GP urgently.
General Wellbeing and Asthma
Having asthma can affect your child’s emotions and behaviour.
Coming to terms with having asthma takes time and can be tricky for children.
Asthma can be unpredictable and impact on lifestyle and relationships with family
and friends. Below are some common issues and some thoughts on managing
them.
School attendance
Asthma should not stop your child doing well at school, but it might make it harder to
attend school and may result in your child getting behind with school work.
• Try talking to your child about any difficulties in school and what makes it harder for
them to be in school. You may be surprised to find out that the things that worry
them about school, may be different to the things that worry you!
• Speak to the school about your worries, and your child’s worries, to find ways
to help.
Bullying
Your child may experience teasing or bullying, which can be very stressful. Your
child may become quieter, withdrawn or struggle to go to school.
• Encourage your child to tell you what is happening and how they are feeling.
Parents and schools should always think about how the child feels, when
addressing issues with teasing or bullying.
• Schools are usually experienced in helping, and should have anti-bullying

policies in place. Talk with your child’s school about what’s happening, and
what’s being done to help.
Problems sleeping
Lack of good quality sleep can affect a child’s
mood and behaviour, and can make it more
difficult to concentrate.
• It is helpful to set a regular bedtime. Your child
should not watch TV or play with phones or
other electronic devices shortly before bedtime.
• Think about helping your child with a ‘winding
down’ routine before bed, doing activities that
are calming and relaxing.

Self–confidence
Having asthma, particularly if symptoms are difficult to manage, can affect your
child’s self-confidence.
• Encourage your child to develop a positive attitude about themselves, despite
their health issues.
• Help them focus on their achievement.
• Support your child’s interaction with others.
Behavioural issues
Symptoms of asthma (and the need to follow treatment plans) can be very
frustrating for your child. This may impact on your child’s behaviour, sometimes
leading to conflict and arguments in the family. Sticking to boundaries may be more
difficult when your child’s symptoms are more problematic.
• Be clear with your child about what you expect of them when they are ill and
when they are better.
• Notice and reward positive behaviours.
• Encourage your child to talk about their frustrations.

Feeling stressed
Children can feel stressed for different reasons, for example because they are going
through tests or exams in school or if they are experiencing changes in family life
(moving house, changing school, having a new teacher etc). Stress often has an
impact on children’s health and can make their asthma worse.
• Be familiar with your child’s school routine and ask about changes, your child
may not talk to you about them or realise the impact on their health. Make sure
you also discuss your child’s worries with their school so you can be kept
informed of relevant changes.
• Keep your child involved in family plans, as appropriate for their age. Parents/
carers sometimes don’t realise that children are aware of changes in the family,
and they may worry about them.
Worrying and feeling down

Children may feel anxious or down about everyday things, their own health needs, or
that something might happen to them. It can be hard for parents/carers to start a
conversation about these feelings, but it’s important to do it, so here are some tips:
• Start talking with your child, so that they can get the help they need. Let them
know that it is normal to feel upset sometimes.
• Don’t worry about making things worse by asking them about it. It won’t!
• Trying to talk things through, once is often not enough to get to the bottom of
things. You may have to try several times and in different ways. It may also be
helpful to discuss your concerns with school or close family members to see if
they share them.
Useful websites
Parents
minded.org.uk
www.familylives.org.uk
youngminds.org.uk
Parents and Children & Young People

annafreud.org
www.good-thinking.uk
Children & Young People up to the age of 25
www.kooth.com

Looking after yourself as a parent/carer
Looking after a child with asthma can be tiring, overwhelming and frustrating for
parents/carers. Whilst it may be hard to think about your own needs, it is
important to look after yourself as this will help both you and your child.
Think about your own support

• Try talking more with another trusted adult about the worries and challenges of
looking after your child’s asthma. This could be a family member or a close
friend; the crucial point is that they are able to make the time to listen to you and
that they do so without judgement or criticism.
• If you have a partner, or if you share the care of your child with another adult
(e.g. a family member), it is useful that you have opportunities to talk to each
other about how you each feel things are going.
Look after your own health

• Healthy eating, sufficient sleep and regular exercise are important factors in
maintaining your own good health.
• Whenever practically possible, it is important that you take a bit of time for
yourself to rest and to do things you enjoy or help you relax; this will help
“recharge your batteries”.
Meet other parents/carers

Meeting with other parents/carers whose children also have asthma, is an
opportunity to share some of the challenges and successes, and can provide a
source of additional support.
On the Asthma UK website (see below) you will find useful information about
available support for parents of children with asthma, including how to join the
parents’ forum and the Facebook page.
Visit asthma.org.uk
Look after your emotional wellbeing

Some parents/carers may turn to smoking, drinking or using drugs as a
consequence of feeling stressed or upset about their children’s health. Other
parents/carers may develop mental health problems, for example anxiety or
depression.
• Addressing these issues promptly is really important.
• Even though you may feel that this takes time away from your role as a parent/
carer, in the long run it will benefit your family’s welfare and happiness.

Support is available both in Lambeth and Southwark (see links below) if you are
concerned about your own wellbeing.
Southwark Wellbeing Hub
Lambeth living well network
Good advice and support to stop smoking is available on the NHS choices website.
NHS Giving Up Smoking
Talking Therapies Services for adults are also available in both boroughs and
parents/carers can refer themselves if they are concerned about experiencing a
range of mental health issues.
Talking Therapies Services for adults in Lambeth

Talking Therapies Services for adults in Southwark
For parents/carers who already have experience of mental health problems, a range
of courses supporting the personal journey towards recovery are available through
the Recovery College, see link below.
A range of courses supporting mental health

Looking after your family
A range of personal and social circumstances can have an impact on the health and
wellbeing of children with health needs. Below is a list of community resources that are
available to help with issues you and your family may be facing.
Arranging childcare
Information on childcare support and different providers, as well as Children’s
Centres, is available directly through the Council’s website.
Arranging Childcare in Lambeth
Arranging Childcare in Southwark
More specific support can be accessed through the Early Help services; to access this
you will need a referral from a professional seeing your child or working with your
family.
Early Help Services in Lambeth
Early Help Services in Southwark
Healthy eating
The Food Flagship programme in Lambeth is a useful resource to help Lambeth
residents to develop a love of healthy and sustainable food.
HENRY
Healthy Families programme is an 8 week group course offered to parents/carers of
children under 5 years old.
Healthy Eating in Lambeth
Information about healthy eating is also available on the Southwark Council’s

website.
Healthy Eating in Southwark
Having sufficient food for your family

Depending on your circumstances, the age of your children and eligibility,
professionals seeing your child or working with your family can refer you to food
banks in Lambeth and Southwark through a voucher scheme.
Lambeth Food Flagship
Southwark Foodbank
Additionally, the Alexandra Rose organisation provide vouchers for fruit and
vegetables via Children’s Centres to those people eligible for the Healthy Start
voucher scheme.
Alexandra Rose

Heating your home
The Seasonal Health Intervention Network Initiative SHINE, which is EU backed and
led by Islington Council is delivered in Lambeth. Referrals are made by NHS and
social care staff and other professionals. Some of the interventions include:
• Advice on saving energy and grants that are available for heating and insulation.
• Support with bills and energy debt.
• Benefit checks by the Welfare Rights Team.
• Fire safety checks (from London Fire Brigade).
• Home security checks (from the police).
The Southwark Council website also has advice on saving energy in your home.
Southwark Council’s advice on saving energy
More general advice on energy saving can be found on.

Energy Saving Trust

Finding employment
There is a Lambeth Council initiative called Lambeth Working that seeks to support
local access to employment and opportunities, working with employers in the borough.
Lambeth Working Initiative
Lambeth Children’s Centres also offer support for parents in acquiring skills and
finding employment.
Lambeth Children’s Centres
Advice on finding employment is also available on the Southwark Council’s

website.
Southwark Employment Advice
Housing issues
The Southwark and Lambeth Councils websites provide a range of information
about housing.
Lambeth housing advice

Southwark housing advice

Difficulties with paying bills
Free and impartial advice about improving your finances is available on the website
below, which has been set up by the government to help prevent debt and provides
advice on financial options when in debt.
Money Helper
Support through a range of difficult financial situations is available through the

Council’s website.
Lambeth Support Services
Southwark Support Services
Citizen Advice Bureau
See our website for all these links

and information
www.cyphp.org

Refer a friend in need
If you have found this information useful and you know of someone else who may
benefit, please refer them to our website where they can receive their free Health Check
and Health Support Pack.
Health Support Packs also available for Constipation and Eczema.
Bridging gaps to help children and young people be healthy, happy, and well.
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Health Pack Asthma v2

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Health Pack Asthma v2

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ASTHMA

Health support pack

WWW.CYPHP.ORG | CYPHP ASTHMA | 1

For comments or feedback on this pack please visit www.cyphp.org or contact us at

2021 CYPHP, London, United Kingdom.

2 | CYPHP ASTHMA | WWW.CYPHP.ORG

Staying well - asthma action plan 6

Knowing what triggers your child’s asthma symptoms 7

How can I tell what triggers make my child’s asthma worse? 12

General wellbeing and asthma 19

Knowing what triggers The four simple steps

Having asthma can affect your child’s emotions and

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• Thick mucus (sticky liquid) can build up inside the airways.

We manage asthma by giving medication to reduce the inflammation and sensitivity of

Are there any other conditions linked to asthma?

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Children with asthma may have:

A dry cough any time of the day or night.

Difficulty taking in a full breath.

Reduced exercise tolerance.

Fast breathing, breathlessness or respiratory distress.

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An effective plan should allow your child to:

• Be active. • Attend school regularly.

Here is what a copy of the

information to hand. t ake your ast hma ast hma get s

• Put the plan somewhere everyone can see 1My daily

it, such as on the fridge door. • I take

puff/s at night. I do this every day even if I

• Send the plan to anyone that looks after

• M y reliever inhaIer is called

your child becomes unwell with asthma.

• Give a copy to your child’s school.

H A 1 0 1 0 2 1 6 © 2 0 1 6 A s t h m a U K . R eg i s ter ed c har i ty n u m b e r i n Eng l and 8 0 2 3 6 4 and i n Sc otl and S C O 3 9 3 2 2 . Las t

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Common and important triggers

It is difficult to stop smoking by yourself. You may find it helpful to look at

Exercise Your child should be able to participate in sports/PE the same as

Some children take 2 puffs of Salbutamol (reliever inhaler) with a

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We do not recommend buying anti-allergy bedding or special vacuums.

If you are concerned about damp, please contact your landlord,

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Wash hands after touching animals.

Mice and Keep your home clean and uncluttered.

Seal all holes and gaps in walls.

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Avoid walking or cycling along busy main roads if it is safe to take an

Ensure your child walks on the inside of the pavement where

Temperature Heat, humidity and cold weather can be triggers.

Be are aware that the change in the weather when you go on

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Emotions Sometimes strong emotions can also be a trigger, especially if your

Medicines For a small number of children certain medicines such as ibuprofen

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Steps to identify your child’s asthma triggers:

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Home School Outdoors

When did their asthma get worse?

Morning Afternoon Evening Night

Cleaning Dust Colds/Flu Mould

Exercising Hot or Cold Sleeping Laughing

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