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Asthma in children Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, December 2008.

Answers to questions about asthma in children

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.

 

My child has just been diagnosed with non-wheezy asthma, what is it?

Non-wheezy asthma is when you have asthma without any wheezing - instead you have a dry cough. This type of asthma can affect both children and adults.

Explanation

One of the most recognisable symptoms of asthma is wheezing. However, it is possible to have asthma without any wheezing - instead your main symptom is a dry cough. This type of asthma is also called atypical asthma, hidden asthma, cough-variant asthma and cough-type asthma. It's common in families that have a history of allergies, and, although it can affect anyone at any age, it's the most common cause of long-term coughing in children.

The cough is dry and repetitive, and your child can have it during the day and when he or she is in bed at night. You may find that it gets worse if he or she has a cold, when he or she is exercising or breathing in cold air. If your child has any of these symptoms, it's important to see your GP to get a diagnosis and treatment.

Treatment for non-wheezy asthma is the same as for regular asthma. Your child will be prescribed a short-acting beta2 agonist inhaler (reliever) such as salbutamol (eg Ventolin), and/or an inhaled steroid medicine (preventer) such as beclometasone (eg Asmabec).

If you have any questions or concerns about non-wheezy asthma, talk to your GP.

Further information

Sources

  • Simon C, Everitt H, Kendrick T. Oxford handbook of general practice. 2nd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2007:399
  • Novey H. Asthma without wheezing. Western J Med 1991; 154(4)
  • Joint Formulary Committee, British National Formulary. 55th ed. London: British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, 2008: 145-164
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Can passive smoking cause asthma in children?

Yes, there is evidence to show that passive smoking can cause asthma and other respiratory symptoms in children.

Explanation

Passive smoking is when you breathe in other people's second-hand smoke. Passive smoking is potentially harmful to everyone, but especially to children. When children are growing, their lungs are still developing and can be particularly sensitive to pollutants in the air. Babies can also be affected by smoking when they are still in the womb.

It's been found that exposure to tobacco smoke in the home can increase the risk of your child developing asthma and can cause asthma attacks. In children who already have asthma, it can make their symptoms much worse.

All children, whether they have asthma or not, should be kept out of smoky atmospheres. If you have children or are pregnant and smoke, you should consider quitting. Your GP will be able to give you support and advice on how to stop smoking.

If you aren't ready to quit, try not to smoke around your children. Smoke outside rather than indoors. Cigarette smoke can linger for several hours in a room after you have stopped, so your children will continue to be exposed until it has completely disappeared. If you are going to be spending long periods of time with your family (for example, when you are on holiday) try using nicotine replacement gum instead of smoking.

If you have any questions or concerns about passive smoking and asthma, talk to your GP.

Further information

Sources

  • International consultation on environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) and child health. World Health Organization. www.who.int, accessed 13 August 2008
  • Asthma. Clinical Knowledge Summaries. www.cks.library.nhs.uk, accessed 11 July 2008
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Can children grow out of their asthma?

Yes, some children who have asthma will have fewer symptoms as they get older and may become symptom-free by the time they are adults.

Explanation

Asthma affects one in 20 children in the UK. Symptoms can start at any age, but most commonly start at around the age of five. As they get older, most children will experience fewer asthma symptoms, and over half the children who have mild, infrequent symptoms will grow out of the condition altogether.

For children who have asthma symptoms on a regular basis or have chronic asthma, the chances of their condition disappearing when they are older are far less likely. This risk is further increased if your child:

  • started getting asthma at an early age and has needed frequent hospital treatment because of his or her symptoms
  • has ongoing eczema
  • has chronic lung disease
  • starts smoking at a young age

If you have any questions or concerns about your child's asthma, talk to your GP.

Further information

Sources

  • Simon C, Everitt H, and Kendrick T. Oxford handbook of general practice. 2nd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2007:399
  • Paediatric asthma. GP Notebook. www.gpnotebook.co.uk, accessed 13 August 2008
  • Asthma. Clinical Knowledge Summaries. www.cks.library.nhs.uk, accessed 11 July 2008
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I've heard that breastfeeding helps to prevent asthma in children, is this true?

Yes, research has shown that breastfeeding your baby can help reduce his or her risk of developing asthma.

Explanation

Breastfeeding your baby has many long-term health benefits. It has been found that breastfeeding can help prevent many health conditions, including ear infections, stomach upsets, eczema and asthma.

Research into the effects of breastfeeding on asthma found that breastfed babies, without a family history of asthma, where less likely to develop asthma than those who were fed on formula milk. For babies with a family history of asthma, the results were less clear.

It's recommended that all babies are breastfed for the first six months of their life without any water, other fluids or solid foods. After this time, they can be introduced to solid foods and fluids as well as continuing with breast milk. Breastfeeding should be carried on for a minimum of two years.

If you have any questions or concerns about asthma and breastfeeding, talk to your GP.

Further information

Sources

  • Hoddinott P, Tappin D, Wright C. Clinical review: breastfeeding. BMJ 2008; 336:881-887
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Related topics

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This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: December 2008

 

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