Asthma is a chronic inflammatory respiratory disease that has significant impacts on children. Asthma is the result of inflammation and muscle tightening of the respiratory system. The respiratory system consists of the lungs, trachea, and breathing muscles – the diaphragm and intercostal muscles.[1] Asthma is the leading disease burden on individuals aged 5-14 years, affecting 14% of boys and 12% of girls. Equally, Mitchell et al (2022) study found that children hospitalised for asthma had reduced education attainment than peers who didn't.
Treatment Options
The most common reliever medication is salbutamol, commonly known as Ventolin. There are two subclasses of medications depending on symptoms and severity, these are relievers and preventers. The medication works by relaxing tightened muscles and reducing the amount of inflammation to assist breathing. Inhalers are more efficient at delivering medication when used with a spacer. This allows the medication to disperse in the air, increasing availability for the lungs to absorb. The primary method is using a spacer to increase air exposure before inhaling. Alternatively, a nebuliser automates the process making medication administration easier for the user.
Effectiveness Of Cardboard Spacers
Livingstone’s Disposable Spacer is designed to be an eco-friendly and easy-to-use spacer for metered dose inhalers. Unlike traditional bulky spacers, its flat design makes it easy to store and transport discreetly. The spacer is made from recyclable materials and has been independently tested by an Aerosol Research Group to ensure it exceeds regulations and requirements.
In terms of effectiveness, Livingstone’s Disposable Spacer has been tested for its ability to deliver medication through a pressurised metered dose inhaler. The particle size of the medication is crucial for effective aerosol delivery. With a particle size of 2.56 μm, Livingstone’s Disposable Spacer allows for effective absorption into the alveoli, where drug absorption into the bloodstream is most effective and faster acting. The mean respirable dose amount of 25.8 μg demonstrates significant medication delivery to the user, enabling fast treatment of asthma attacks.
Asthma action plans are a vital method of reducing risks in schools. Action plans are completed with General Practitioners which outline management options in response to 4 varying degrees of symptoms. [2]
Action Plans are vital for anyone with asthma as they outline the best method of treatment to avoid severe illness.
GPs Day-To-Day Management Triggers
Whilst you cannot always avoid all triggers completely, some triggers will be worse than others. Equally, some triggers may be associated with allergies.
Top Tip!
Make notes when you experience bad asthma triggers and make a conscious effort to reduce your exposure to these. Some triggers will be worse than others. For example, using a preventer inhaler before being exposed to these triggers can reduce the severity of an attack.
Medication
Puffers or inhalers have a dosage counter on them to inform you when you are getting low on doses available. Ensure you keep a puffer with you or numerous in different locations as an asthma attack will not resolve itself without medical intervention.
Top Tip!
Using a spacer or nebuliser for metered dose inhaler medication increases the effectiveness in reducing symptoms.
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References:
(1) Mitchell, R et al. 2022, ‘The Impact of Childhood Asthma on Academic Performance: A Matched Population-based Cohort Study”,
(2) Asthma Australia 2024,
1300 548 289 (LIVBUY)
