To keep asthma better controlled…
Diagnose it (use history, examination and objective tests as available)
Code it (use asthma or suspected asthma depending on access to testing)
Review it (annually and after each exacerbation. Use our new prescribing guidelines)
Educate and empower (by checking inhaler techniques and giving asthma action plans)
Children don’t need to tough it out – help them breathe easier.
Training and guidance
Access free training from NHS England to improve your knowledge and care for children and young people with asthma.
NHS England and NHS Improvement have developed a framework for the care of children and young people with asthma. Read the National Capability Framework for guidance on which tier is most appropriate for an individual to safely carry out their role caring for a child or young person with asthma.
Read NHS Kent and Medway’s paediatric asthma inhaler guidelines.
Medway and Swale Health and Care Partnership is hosting ‘asthma afternoon tea’ sessions for health professionals to discuss childhood asthma. Email medch.cypasthma@nhs.net to find out more.
Kent and Medway Children and Young People’s (CYP) Asthma Care Pathway and Referral Guide (5-16 years)
Routine asthma diagnosis, management and review is primary care led.
The Kent and Medway CYP Asthma Care Pathway and Referral Guide has been developed to support healthcare professionals in primary care by providing guidance on asthma diagnosis, review and when a referral to secondary care is appropriate for children aged 5-16 years. There is also an accompanying Referral Form which has been developed with secondary care colleagues to ensure that when referrals are made, they contain all the information necessary.
Dangers of home nebulisers
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has published guidance about the dangers of using nebulised bronchodilators in the home for children with asthma.
Nebules should only be prescribed for children who are under the active management of a respiratory paediatrician. Home use of nebulisers in paediatric asthma should be initiated and managed by specialists.
This is consistent with current clinical guidance. Advice for healthcare professionals:
- Use of nebuliser devices at home to deliver asthma rescue medication to children and adolescents, without adequate medical supervision, can mask a deterioration in the underlying disease, which could result in delays in seeking medical attention and have fatal or serious consequences.
- Only specialists in asthma should initiate and clinically manage the use of nebulisers and associated nebulised medicines at home for acute treatment of asthma in children and adolescents.
- Independent purchase of nebuliser devices outside of medical advice for use at home to deliver rescue therapy for the acute treatment of asthma in children and adolescents is not recommended.
Please share this information with your team.