Asthma
Asthma is a chronic lung condition that causes airway inflammation, making it difficult to breathe. It is one of the most common respiratory conditions in children and can be triggered by allergens, infections, exercise, or environmental factors.
Asthma symptoms can vary in severity and may include:
- Wheezing (whistling sound while breathing)
- Persistent cough, especially at night or after exercise
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness or discomfort
- Frequent respiratory infections
- Difficulty sleeping due to coughing or breathing difficulties
Early diagnosis and effective management help prevent severe asthma attacks and improve the child’s quality of life.
Relevant Screening & Assessment Webforms
- Asthma Symptom Questionnaire: A fillable online form to assess symptom frequency, triggers, and severity.
- Asthma Control Test (ACT): A parent-completed or child-completed form (for ages 6+) to evaluate asthma control over time.
- Peak Flow & Symptom Diary: A log for parents to record daily breathing measurements and symptom patterns, aiding in long-term asthma management.
Blood or Laboratory Tests
Asthma is diagnosed based on clinical history and lung function tests. Additional tests may be recommended to rule out other conditions:
- Spirometry: A lung function test to measure airflow and diagnose asthma.
- Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) Test: Measures airway inflammation, helping assess asthma severity.
- Allergy Testing (Skin Prick or IgE Blood Tests): Identifies allergens (e.g., dust mites, pollen, pet dander) that may be triggering asthma symptoms.
- Chest X-ray or CT Scan: Used in cases of persistent or severe asthma to rule out other lung conditions.
Management Options
Asthma management focuses on preventing attacks, maintaining good lung function, and enabling children to live active lives.
Medications
Reliever Inhalers (Short-Acting Beta-Agonists, e.g., Salbutamol/Ventolin): Used during asthma attacks for immediate relief.
Preventer Inhalers (Corticosteroids, e.g., Fluticasone, Budesonide): Reduce airway inflammation and prevent symptoms.
Long-Acting Bronchodilators (LABA, e.g., Salmeterol): Used alongside preventers for better symptom control.
Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists (LTRAs, e.g., Montelukast): Alternative treatment for mild to moderate asthma.
Regular Monitoring & Follow-ups
Telehealth consultations allow symptom tracking, medication adjustments, and lung function monitoring.
Personalized Asthma Action Plans
Developed by paediatricians and respiratory specialists, detailing daily medication use and emergency response steps during flare-ups.
Helps parents, teachers, and caregivers manage asthma effectively.
Lifestyle & Environmental Modifications
Trigger avoidance (e.g., reducing dust mites, smoke exposure, pollen exposure).
Allergy management for children with allergic asthma.
Encouraging physical activity while ensuring proper asthma control.
Latest High-Tech Evidence-Based Treatment Options Worldwide
Smart Inhalers & Bluetooth Spirometry
Devices like Propeller Health and SmartTurbo attach to inhalers and track usage via mobile apps, helping improve medication adherence.
AI-Powered Asthma Monitoring
Apps like AsthmaMD and myAsthma track symptoms, triggers, and medication use, integrating data with wearable devices.
Telehealth-Based Asthma Education
Digital asthma coaching programs provide remote education, symptom tracking, and medication reminders for children and families.
Biologic Therapies for Severe Asthma
Monoclonal antibodies (Omalizumab, Mepolizumab) target inflammatory pathways for children with severe allergic asthma.
Funding Options in Australia
NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme)
Children with severe asthma that affects daily functioning may qualify for funding for therapy, assistive technology (e.g., nebulisers, spacers), and health support services.
Medicare
Covers specialist respiratory consultations, spirometry tests, and allergy testing.
Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Plans allow for subsidized visits to respiratory specialists, physiotherapists, and asthma educators.
Private Health Insurance
May cover lung function tests, respiratory therapy, and medications.
Patient Education Resources in Australia
- National Asthma Council Australia: Offers fact sheets, asthma action plans, and management guides for families.
- Raising Children Network: Provides practical advice on symptom management, medication use, and exercise tips for children with asthma.
- Asthma Australia: Offers free online resources, helplines, and support groups for families affected by childhood asthma.
Foundations & Volunteering Agencies in Australia
- Asthma Australia: Provides community support, advocacy, and research funding for asthma care and education.
- The National Asthma Council Australia: Supports asthma management with expert-backed guidelines and educational initiatives.
- Lung Foundation Australia: Raises awareness about childhood respiratory conditions and provides community education.
What to Expect from Telehealth Consultations
Initial Asthma Assessment
A paediatric respiratory specialist reviews the child’s symptoms, medical history, and risk factors.
Discussion of asthma triggers and symptom patterns to create an individualized management plan.
Personalized Asthma Treatment Plan
Development of an Asthma Action Plan, including medications, symptom monitoring, and emergency steps.
Guidance on correct inhaler techniques and medication use.
Ongoing Symptom Monitoring & Medication Adjustments
Telehealth follow-ups track lung function, symptom severity, and response to medication.
Adjustments to inhalers or preventer medications based on the child’s progress.
Parental Education & Emergency Preparedness
Training parents on recognizing asthma flare-ups and handling emergencies effectively.
Coordination with schools and childcare centers to ensure proper asthma care.
Collaboration with Allied Health Professionals
Telehealth allows respiratory therapists, dietitians, and physiotherapists to be part of the care team.
Exercise recommendations and breathing techniques to support lung health.
Why Choose Smart Paediatrics for Asthma Management?
At Smart Paediatrics, we provide a comprehensive, telehealth-based approach to asthma care, ensuring families receive:
✔ Expert paediatric respiratory care from specialists.
✔ Ongoing monitoring and treatment adjustments via telehealth.
✔ Personalized Asthma Action Plans tailored to the child’s needs.
✔ Education for families, teachers, and caregivers to optimize asthma control.
✔ Access to the latest digital tools for asthma tracking and symptom monitoring.
With telehealth, families can manage asthma effectively from home, ensuring better symptom control, fewer hospital visits, and improved quality of life for children.