Asthma- Good asthma control checklist

Disclaimer: This fact sheet is for education purposes only. Please consult with your doctor or other health professional to make sure this information is right for your child.

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Achieving and maintaining good asthma control for your child

  • Have an up to date Asthma Action Plan for your child
  • Ask your child’s asthma doctor to explain how to use the plan
  • Make an appointment with your child’s asthma doctor every 3-6 months even if they have been well with their asthma
  • Take your child’s asthma medicine delivery device/s and asthma action plan with you at every visit so that device technique can be checked and plan updated if needed
  • Keep an asthma symptom diary to show to your child’s asthma doctor at each visit
  • Ensure your child continues to take their asthma medications as prescribed - only stop them on your child’s doctor’s advice

Warning signs of worsening asthma – Seek medical review ASAP

  • Night time coughing or wheezing
  • Early morning coughing or wheezing
  • Child unable to participate in usual activities without wheezing, coughing, or becoming short of breath
  • Needing to use reliever medicine on more than 2 days per week (excluding for exercise)
  • Needing to use reliever medicine every 3-4 hours

When to call an ambulance 

  • Needing to use reliever more frequently than every 2 hours
  • Child is distressed and anxious
  • Child is sucking in at the throat and ribs when they breathe
  • Child has a bluish tinge to the lips
  • Child is unable to talk due to breathlessness
  • If you have concerns or doubts.

Remember:

  • Have your child’s asthma control reviewed regularly
  • Know the signs of poor asthma control
  • Good asthma control is achievable

For more information on children and Asthma, download the "Asthma and your child: Resource pack" 

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