My Wheeze Plan

Your child has had an episode of wheeze. 
This is very common in younger children and many children grow out of it as they get older.

What is wheeze?

Wheeze is the whistling noise that air makes when it is trapped inside the breathing tubes of the lungs. In many young children you can hear a “ruttly” noise, this is the mucus that they are not able to cough away. Lots of people find it difficult to know the difference between this noise and wheeze.

Why do children wheeze?

Young children have very small breathing tubes in their lungs. When they catch a virus, or something irritates the tubes, they become tighter and leave a smaller airway through which to breathe. The tubes may also become swollen inside and produce mucus. The tightening of the tubes makes it hard for the young child to breathe out, they may also cough to try to get rid of the mucus.

Which children wheeze?

Any child may have episodes of wheeze. The most common cause is when children get a cold, or virus. Following an infection called bronchiolitis, caused by a virus, episodes of wheeze are more likely for many months. Children in contact with cigarette smoke are more likely to wheeze.

Can I stop it happening?

You should keep your child away from cigarette smoke. You cannot stop them getting a virus, and it is not a good idea to try to keep him / her away from other children.

Does it mean my child will have asthma?

Many children have wheezy episodes in the first few years of life, but do not go on to have asthma. However, some young children who wheeze do develop asthma when they get older.

What do I do when my child becomes wheezy?

You may have been given a reliever inhaler for your child. This will work by opening up the tight breathing tubes. You can give it to your child when he / she has wheeze, or starts with a cold. It should work within a few minutes.

You do not need to give it to your child when they are well.

My Wheeze Plan:

On discharge from hospital

If your child’s symptoms continue or worsen please refer back to ‘my wheeze plan’ and seek medical attention when recommended.

• It is very important your child uses the spacer device you have been given for them or the inhaled medicine will not reach your child’s lungs effectively.
• Ensure you know how and why the inhalers should be used.
• Ensure there is access to a reliever inhaler and spacer at all times for your child, including nursery / school.
• If you have difficulties giving the treatment ask for help from your practice nurse or the hospital asthma nurse.

Care of the spacer 

• Take apart the spacer.
• Place the spacer in luke warm soapy water, gently agitate, then leave to soak for 15 minutes.
• Rinse off remaining soap, shake off excess water and leave to air dry. 
• Wash your child’s spacer weekly and replace the device every 12 months. 

How to use a spacer

1. Shake the inhaler well and remove the cap.
2. Put the inhaler in the end of the spacer.
3. Put the mouthpiece of the spacer between your child’s lips and teeth, or place the mask firmly over their nose and mouth, ensuring a good seal.
4. Press the inhaler down once.
5. Ensure five normal breaths are taken in and out, watching or listening for the valve moving.
6. Remove the device from your child’s mouth or face.
7. If your child needs another puff, leave at least 30 seconds before repeating the process. 

Top tip: 

If your inhaler contains a steroid, rinse your child’s mouth out with water or brush their teeth and wipe their face.

A video and further information on how to give an inhaler properly can be found online at Asthma UK; how to use your inhaler.

Useful websites:

www.asthma.org.uk  www.allergyuk.org