Childhood asthma

The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ recently published their updated report on the impact of respiratory disease in New Zealand. One of the findings is that one in eight children in New Zealand has asthma, so chances are there is a child you know, maybe even one in your family, diagnosed with asthma.

With all eyes on asthma this World Asthma Day (Tuesday 6 May) it is a good time to think about some of the management strategies that can be used to minimise the impact of asthma symptoms and the unique role that physiotherapists have in supporting children with asthma.

One of things I come across most often in the children I see with asthma, is a change in their breathing pattern at rest - mouth breathing, an upper chest pattern (rather than a lower chest or diaphragmatic pattern) and an altered ratio of breathing in and out.

Breathing in this manner can mimic asthma symptoms and make you feel short of breath or feel like you aren’t getting a satisfying breath. This in turn can make you feel anxious and more short of breath – a vicious cycle!

If you notice this with your child, it could be useful to seek help from a physiotherapist.

Physical exercise can be another thing that children with asthma find difficult, as it can trigger their symptoms. However, it is very important that children with asthma are confident and able to exercise, as it helps improve their lung function and supports their physical health.

If your child experiences exercise-induced asthma symptoms, they could try taking their reliever puffer before they exercise. It is also useful to consider other triggers (e.g. cold air, pollen) and controlling those triggers for those if exercising outside. A physiotherapist can help provide guidance about exercise if you are unsure.

Childhood asthma is common in New Zealand, but with good management, those affected can still lead a fit, healthy, and happy life.

For more information on managing childhood asthma, please refer to the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation’s resources on its website.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Zöe Manderson is a respiratory physiotherapist in Taranaki for Te Whatu Ora and a member of the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ's Scientific Advisory Board.