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A collection of FAQs around asthma from school colleagues, with guidance provided by NHS colleagues and NCC inclusion advisers.

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Personalised Asthma Action Plans are completed with the child's GP.

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Access step-by-step guidance, compiled by NHS colleagues, on how to respond when a CYP is having an asthma attack, including editable resources and further links.

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See example plan here from Asthma+ Lung UK.

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Our Child Asthma Action plan designed especially for children aged six to 11.

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Flowchart -  Responding to an asthma attack

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Flowchart -  Responding to an asthma attack

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Follow this short flowchart to identify your immediate actions to support a CYP experiencing an asthma attack.

If you require any support, please call 0333 313 7165 to get in touch with one of our advisers. This phone line is open on weekdays, from 9am to 5pm.

If your query relates to training, please email sendandinclusiontraining@norfolk.gov.uk

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How can we help CYP to understand more about asthma and about using their inhaler?

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How can we help CYP to understand more about asthma and about using their inhaler?

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The MySpira app is designed to support CYP with diagnosed asthma to understand all the things they need to know about their condition and encourage good inhaler technique.

It is best suited for 6 - 13 year olds and includes 8 fun modules. The app combines augmented reality and gameplay to offer the very best asthma education.

The app is validated and safe, and has been developed with close assistance from asthma specialists.

How to Download

1. Download MySpira from your mobile device's app store

2. Type in the following code when prompted: 62025117b8df4

3. Follow the modules to complete the training

4. Complete the asthma plan and enjoy the bonus AR asthma game!

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THE MYSPIRA APP SUBSTANTIALLY IMPROVES RECALL OF CRITICAL ASTHMA INFORMATION

93% of asthma sufferers use their metered dose inhalers incorrectly. Where proper inhaler training has been put in place, emergency hospital admissions have been reduced by 50% and asthma deaths by 75%.

Developed for children aged between 6 - 13, the MySpira app includes 8, fun modules, that use augmented reality and gameplay to offer the very best asthma education.

Suitable for download by children, parents, schools, GP surgeries, hospitals and pharmacists.

FEATURED ON BBC CLICK

Research Study

A recent study completed by the University of Suffolk showed that the MySpira app substantially outperformed leaflets and video in conveying critical information on asthma and inhaler technique.

View Study

MySpira Endorsements

Karyn Mcbride

Asthma Nurse Specialist

"MySpira is a creative app that will give children with asthma an opportunity to fully understand their condition. The learning process will help them to take better control and gain more independence"

Simon Rudland

General Practitioner

"Not only will MySpira lead to better health long-term, but if adopted nationwide, could dramatically reduce the number of emergency cases, resulting in fewer hospitalisations. We are looking at integrating this app into our existing asthma support services in the future."

Amena Warner

Head of Clinical Services at Allergy UK

"21st Century children are digital natives, so it makes perfect sense to use technology as a means of educating and engaging them about their health. Technologies such as health apps, wearables and connected devices have endless possibilities to transform and improve the management of asthma."

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MySpira | Augmented Reality Asthma Training App

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THE WORLD'S 1ST AUGMENTED REALITY ASTHMA TRAINING GAME

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Asthma is a chronic disease which inflames and narrows the airways in the lungs.  Asthma is the most common long term medical condition in children and affects 1 in 11.   It is the most common reason for urgent hospital admissions for children.  The most common triggers for an asthma attack are colds and viruses, smoking, pollution, pollen, mould, pets, and hormonal changes.

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Asthma is a common lung condition that causes occasional breathing difficulties.
It affects people of all ages and often starts in childhood, although it can also develop for the first time in adults.

There's currently no cure, but there are simple treatments that can help keep the symptoms under control so it does not have a big impact on your life.

Symptoms of asthma

The main symptoms of asthma are:

a whistling sound when breathing (wheezing)

breathlessness

a tight chest, which may feel like a band is tightening around it

The symptoms can sometimes get temporarily worse. This is known as an asthma attack.

When to see a GP

See a GP if you think you or your child may have asthma.

Several conditions can cause similar symptoms, so it's important to get a proper diagnosis and correct treatment.

The GP will usually be able to diagnose asthma by asking about symptoms and carrying out some simple tests.

Find out more about how asthma is diagnosed.

Treatments for asthma

Asthma is usually treated by using an inhaler, a small device that lets you breathe in medicines.

The main types are:

reliever inhalers - used when needed to quickly relieve asthma symptoms for a short time

preventer inhalers - used every day to prevent asthma symptoms happening

Some people also need to take tablets.

Causes and triggers of asthma

Asthma is caused by swelling (inflammation) of the breathing tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs. This makes the tubes highly sensitive, so they temporarily narrow.

It may happen randomly or after exposure to a trigger.

Common asthma triggers include:

allergies (to house dust mites, animal fur or pollen, for example)

smoke, pollution and cold air

exercise

infections like colds or flu

Identifying and avoiding your asthma triggers can help you keep your symptoms under control.

How long asthma lasts for

Asthma is a long-term condition for many people, particularly if it first develops when you're an adult.

In children, it sometimes goes away or improves during the teenage years, but can come back later in life.

The symptoms can usually be controlled with treatment. Most people will have normal, active lives, although some people with more severe asthma may have ongoing problems.

Complications of asthma

Although asthma can normally be kept under control, it's still a serious condition that can cause a number of problems.

This is why it's important to follow your treatment plan and not ignore your symptoms if they're getting worse.

Badly controlled asthma can cause problems such as:

feeling tired all the time

underperformance at, or absence from, work or school

stress, anxiety or depression

disruption of your work and leisure because of unplanned visits to a GP or hospital

lung infections (pneumonia)

delays in growth or puberty in children

There's also a risk of severe asthma attacks, which can be life threatening.

Video: Asthma

Animated video about asthma, which is a chronic condition affecting the lungs.

Page last reviewed: 19 April 2021
Next review due: 19 April 2024

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Find out what asthma is, what the symptoms are, what causes it and how it's treated.

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What is a personalised asthma action plan (PAAP)?

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What is a personalised asthma action plan (PAAP)?

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All CYP on the asthma register should have a PAAP to help them and others know what to do to manage their asthma and how to escalate care when their asthma is worsening.

A PAAP should be completed by a healthcare professional e.g. GP or asthma nurse in partnership with CYP and their parents/carers. CYP should have their PAAP’s reviewed at their Annual Asthma Review, which usually happens at their GP practice. A copy of their PAAP should be given to school so staff are aware of each CYP’s needs.

To ensure all CYP are safe, including those who do not have a PAAP in school for whatever reason, the school should have a School Wide Asthma Emergency Plan. It is highly recommended that this plan is kept easily accessible, including stored with the emergency inhaler and spacer within school.

If a CYP’s inhaler is unavailable/not working the school will use the schools’ emergency inhaler (if the parent/carer has consented) and inform the parent as soon as possible. Consent to use emergency inhalers should be recorded.

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Learning to take control and manage your own asthma day to day is the best way to keep you well and prevent having an asthma attack.

General Resources

Is my asthma well controlled?

Keeping your asthma under good control is the key to preventing asthma attacks and good lung health. Take the Asthma Control Test to find out if your asthma is as well controlled as it could be.

Taking control of my asthma

How to use my inhalers

It is important to use your inhaler in the right way. If not, the medicine may not get to the lungs and may mean your asthma is less well controlled. The most commonly used inhaler is a 'Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI) and these must always be taken with a spacer device, no matter how old you are, in order to get the medicine to the lungs. Not all inhaler devices need a spacer, though. Read our easy to follow information sheets for the different inhalers.

Inhaler Guides

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Find all the information you need to manage your asthma day to day

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What challenges might a CYP with asthma face in education?

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What challenges might a CYP with asthma face in education?

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Days off school due to illness or hospital/GP appointments

Missed learning

Poor concentration due to lack of sleep caused by asthma exacerbations

Anxiety and depression

Feeling different from peers

Limitations in taking part in physical school activities

Impact of asthma

Be aware that asthma can affect a CYP’s learning and provide extra help when needed. Be aware of children with asthma who may need extra social support.

Understand asthma and the impact it can have on CYP (CYP should not be forced to take part in an activity if they feel unwell). If you identify a pattern or are concerned about an individual CYP, inform their parent/carer and seek medical advice.

PE staff/Asthma Champion should take note of any CYP who wheeze or regularly require their inhaler post exercise and should ensure parents are informed to seek clinical review.

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What if a CYP does not have their PAAP school?

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What if a CYP does not have their PAAP school?

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If for some reason, a CYP does not have their PAAP in school one day then you should refer to your School Wide Asthma Emergency Plan and follow this.

To ensure all children are safe, you should have a School Wide Asthma Emergency Plan. It is highly recommended that this plan is kept easily accessible, including stored with the emergency inhaler and spacer within school.

If a CYP’s inhaler is unavailable/not working the school will use the schools’ emergency inhaler (if the parent/carer has consented) and inform the parent as soon as possible. Consent to use emergency inhalers should be recorded.

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A CYP may experience the following symptoms:

Difficulty breathing (CYP could be breathing fast and with effort, using all muscles in the upper body)

Breathing more quickly

Being unable to talk, walk or eat

Wheezing and coughing a lot

Complaining of a tight chest or tummy ache

Being unusually quiet

Fainting

Drowsiness, confusion, exhaustion or dizziness

Blue lips or fingers

Nasal flaring

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What if a CYP does not have their inhaler at school?

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What if a CYP does not have their inhaler at school?

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If a CYP’s inhaler is unavailable/not working (forgotten, lost or broken, or run out) the school should have an emergency inhaler and use this (if the parent/carer has consented) and inform the parent as soon as possible.

Consent to use emergency inhalers should be recorded.

Please note: Schools are not required to hold an emergency inhaler – this is a discretionary power enabling schools to do this if they wish. Find out if your school have an emergency inhaler.

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What if the CYP doesn't want to use their spacer?

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What if the CYP doesn't want to use their spacer?

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This short, animated video will help you understand why using a spacer is necessary to help get the medication deep into the lungs - where it is needed most!

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How do we support CYP on school trips and sports days?

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How do we support CYP on school trips and sports days?

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See example plan from JON

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See example plan from JON for an older young person

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See contact details below for any specific questions you have regarding asthma - nwicb.cypm@nhs.net

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The #AskAboutAsthma campaign is about making simple changes to CYP care that will make a big difference to how they and their families experience their asthma.

Watch this broadcast to find out more about how to get involved!

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This broadcast will include a presentation from Dr Oliver Anglin on children and young people's asthma and will cover the following topics:

Signs/symptoms of asthma and explaining what it means as a chronic condition

What is good asthma care?

Information around inhalers and spacers

Air pollution and other triggers

The #AskAboutAsthma campaign and how schools will get involved

The broadcast will also include a live Q&A session with Dr Jonny Coppel.

It will also include a segment from specialist asthma nurse, Tori Hadaway, with an activity that schools can use in the on-demand version of the broadcast.
Background
Asthma is the most common long-term medical condition affecting 1 in 11 children and young people. Poorly controlled asthma affects every aspect of children and young people's lives - their ability to learn, enjoy time outside the school with friends or take part in sport.

The #AskAboutAsthma campaign is about making simple changes to children and young people's care that will make a big difference to how they and their families experience their asthma.

The campaign is led by NHS England - London's children and young people's asthma programme and encourages children, young people , their families, and those involved in their care, to ensure four simple and effective measures to help them control their asthma:

1. Get an asthma action plan in place

2. Understand how to use inhalers correctly

3. Schedule an asthma review - every year and after every attack

4. Consider air quality and its impact on lung health

This year's theme is "Widening our view". We're shining a light on the wider factors of children and young people's asthma care including housing, mould and vaping. It's also about reaching out to all children and young people with asthma, their families, friends and everyone who cares for them to make sure their asthma doesn't hold them back in any way.

Find out more about our 2023 #AskAboutAsthma campaign and how you can get involved .
Useful Links: #AskAboutAsthma 2023 campaign web page hosted by Transformation Partners in Health and Care London Asthma Toolkit

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AskAboutAsthma 2023 This broadcast will include a presentation from Dr Oliver Anglin on children and young people's asthma and will cover the following topics: Signs/symptoms of asthma and explaining what it means as â€¦