Take them for check-ups Your child should have an asthma review with their GP or asthma nurse every six months, even when they’re feeling well and not having any symptoms. Our Pharmacists are also on hand to offer support at any time, whenever you need it (see How your Pharmacist can help).


Dealing with attacks Knowing what to do if your child has an attack could save their life. You’ll know they’re having an attack if their inhaler isn’t helping them, if their symptoms seem much worse than usual or if they’re too breathless to speak. If any of these things happen, here’s what you should do:


STEP 1 Help them sit up straight and keep calm.


STEP 2 Help them take one puff of their reliever inhaler (usually blue) every 30-60 seconds, up to a maximum of 10 puffs.


STEP 3 Call 999 for an ambulance if their symptoms get worse while they're using their inhaler if they don't feel better after 10 puffs or if you're worried at any time. Symptoms can include a cough, breathlessness, wheeze, tight chest or sometimes a child will say they have a tummy ache.


STEP 4 Reassure your child while waiting. Repeat step 2 if the ambulance is taking longer than 15 minutes.


NOTE: this advice doesn’t apply to children using maintenance and reliever therapy (MART). For more information visit www.asthma.org.uk


How your Pharmacist


can help If you or your child is living with asthma, our free Respiratory Support Service provides confidential advice on how to control your symptoms and get the most out of your medicines. You may also find our free Medicines Check Up


Service helpful, as it’s a great opportunity to find out more about your medicines, what they do and how to take them. Or if you’ve recently been prescribed new medicines


to help control your asthma, why not use another of our free NHS-funded New Medicine Service (England and Isle of Man only)? If you have any questions or concerns about your medicines, our Pharmacists can give you the support and advice you need.


Speak to a member of our healthcare team about these and other services available at LloydsPharmacy today.


Helping your child


use their inhaler If your child struggles to use their inhaler they may not be getting the full benefit of their medication. Understanding how to use their inhaler correctly may help improve how well their condition is managed. Here, Pharmacist Anshu Bhimbat offers advice to parents that may help: “Involve your child and use resources


such as your Pharmacist and Asthma UK’s child action plan (asthma.org.uk/advice/manage-your- asthma/action-plan)," says Anshu. “Learn the inhaler and spacer


technique from your Pharmacist. Also help your child see their inhaler as something positive by decorating it with stickers. “Then watch your child take their


dose to see if it’s being done correctly. Count the number of inhaling-deep- breaths seconds with your child. Involve your child’s school too, so your child can achieve their potential and enjoy school life.”


Knowing what to do if your child has an attack could save their life


All About You 23


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