Asthma

Asthma is a common problem for infants and children. It is also called ‘Reactive Airway Disease’. People with asthma have sensitive airways, which become inflamed and swollen and produce more mucus. The muscles surrounding the airways (bronchial tubes) contract more than they should, narrowing the air passages (bronchoconstriction).

Common symptoms of asthma include:

• recurrent episodes of coughing
• wheezing
• difficulty breathing
• shortness of breath
• rapid and/or noisy breathing

Asthma symptoms tend to worsen at night or after with exposure to certain triggers, such as smoke, dust, pet hairs, weather changes, exercise, and colds and flu.

Whilst there is no cure for asthma, with the right management, most children's asthma can be kept under control. They will be able to participate in physical activities and sports and keep up with the other children. Many health authorities have dedicated asthma clinics, where your child can see a doctor, nurse and physiotherapist regularly for check-ups and to offer advice on keeping your child’s asthma under control.

If you do not have this facility, contact KidsPhysio for an ‘Asthma MOT’. Your physiotherapist will assess:

• Your child’s medication . If they are taking a bronchodilator or steroid inhaler, your physiotherapist will check your child’s technique to ensure they are getting the most from their medication.

• The triggers that set off your child’s asthma and ways of avoiding or minimising them . We will advise you and your child on how to keep a daily symptom diary, if you need help with identifying these triggers.

• Your child’s peak flow rate . Your physiotherapist will help you to understand how, with older children, it can help predict and prevent an asthma attack. Keeping a peak flow diary will also help your child’s doctor determine if your child's asthma is under control.

• The warning signs for when your child is likely to have an asthma attack . These warning signs include a drop in peak flows, worsening allergies, runny nose, cough and exposure to a known trigger. Keeping a daily symptom diary can be helpful in identifying warning signs of an asthma attack.

• Your child’s exercise tolerance . We will advise you and your child on any specific exercises or activities to help build up strength and offer general advice on sports.

• Your child’s breathing technique and their ability to clear secretions. Your physiotherapist will advise on breathing games for younger children and specific breathing techniques for older children. These may include the active cycle of breathing technique and autogenic drainage.

• We will discuss what to do if your child has an asthma attack, including breathing control, relaxation, and positions that can help during an attack.

Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a condition where the glands in the body produce abnormally thick, sticky mucus and the sweat glands produce excess salt. The two main areas of the body involved are the lungs and the pancreas. This increased production of mucus causes most of the problems seen in cystic fibrosis.

The lung problems of cystic fibrosis are caused by the thick sticky mucus, which makes them susceptible to infection and damage. The thick mucus collects in the lungs blocking some airways and resulting in damage caused by the infection. Much of this damage can be prevented through adequate treatment of infections.

Physiotherapy and medication help to keep the lungs clear of the mucus. KidsPhysio can offer treatment to supplement your NHS physiotherapy care.