Growing up with hay fever since childhood, I know how worrying it can be for parents to think about their child possibly developing asthma. My daughter hasn’t shown signs of asthma yet, thankfully, but I want to be prepared ... just in case. If you're like me, whether it's to manage your asthma or your kids', here's how to treat an asthma attack at home.
As scary as it is, asthma can be managed well with the right information and tools, and as single mums, preparation is one of the best things we can give our children. This guide is written to support other mothers like me, especially those managing things on their own. I hope it reassures you that you’re not alone. One thing's for sure: you are more than capable of handling this.
What Is Asthma?
Asthma is a condition that affects the airways in the lungs. When someone has asthma, their airways become inflamed and narrowed. This inflammation makes it difficult to breathe. The condition often begins in childhood and can vary in severity. Untreated or uncontrolled asthma can progress into deeper issues with lung function, so it's important that you know how to improve asthma control and manage symptoms. So far, there is no way to prevent the development of asthma, but as I said before, it can be managed.
How Do You Know If Your Child Has Asthma?
Asthma symptoms may not be the same for every child, but the most common signs include:
- Frequent coughing, especially at night or after physical activity
- A whistling or wheezing sound when breathing
- Shortness of breath or rapid breathing
- Complaints of chest tightness or discomfort
- Coughing or wheezing after laughing, crying, or running
These symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for a cold or allergy, so it is important to consult a GP or paediatrician for a proper diagnosis.
Common Triggers of Asthma in Australia
Several environmental factors can cause an asthma attack in children and adults. In Australia, the most common include:
- Pollen (especially during spring)
- Dust mites
- Cold or dry air
- Viral infections such as the flu
- Physical activity or exercise
- Smoke (from bushfires, wood heaters, or cigarettes)
- Mould
- Pet dander
Understanding the things that can trigger asthma may help prevent asthma attacks.
Additionally, some common allergens in food, like peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, milk, and eggs have been found to also trigger asthma attacks, although rarely. Still, you would want to keep a close on eye on your child when eating known allergens.
Further Reading: 5 Things You Should Consider Before Getting a Family Dog
Signs of an Asthma Flare-Up
An asthma flare-up (also known as an asthma attack) occurs when symptoms suddenly become worse. Common symptoms to watch for include:
- Increased coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath
- Difficulty speaking in full sentences
- Breathing that becomes faster or seems harder than usual
- Skin sucking in around the ribs or neck when breathing
- Pale appearance or blue lips and fingertips (this is a medical emergency)
Recognising these signs early can make a significant difference in your child’s safety and recovery.
How to Treat an Asthma Attack at Home: First Aid for an Asthma Attack
If your child has been diagnosed with asthma and is experiencing a flare-up, the following steps from Better Help can help manage the situation at home:
Follow the 4 x 4 x 4 Rule
- Help your child sit upright and try to keep them calm.
- Give 4 puffs of their reliever medication (such as Ventolin), using a spacer. Shake the puffer before each puff.
- After each puff, your child should take 4 breaths through the spacer.
- Wait 4 minutes. If there is no improvement, repeat the steps.
If symptoms of asthma are still present or you suspect a severe asthma attack after the second round, call 000 immediately.
How to Keep Your Child Calm
Staying calm is crucial during an asthma flare-up. Children can become frightened when they struggle to breathe after exposure to an asthma trigger, which may make it impossible to stop an asthma attack. Here are some ways to help your child remain calm:
- Use a soft and reassuring tone of voice.
- Hold their hand or gently comfort them through touch.
- Encourage slow breathing. You can ask them to blow out “imaginary candles” or breathe along with you.
- Try distraction techniques such as singing a quiet song or telling a story.
As a mum, you have to remember that children often mirror the emotional state of the adults around them. Even if you feel anxious, doing your best to remain composed will help your child feel safer.
If your child does not have an asthma diagnosis but shows serious signs like blue lips or struggles to breathe, seek medical attention immediately. It is always better to act quickly and have professionals rule out asthma than wait too long.
How to Treat an Asthma Attack at Home: Asthma Treatment at Home
If your child is diagnosed with asthma, make sure you have these handy tools in handy to help reduce their symptoms:
- Reliever asthma medication (e.g., Ventolin)
- Spacer device for effective use of the puffer or rescue inhaler as the first line of defence
- An Asthma Action Plan, written by your child’s doctor. This treatment plan explains what to do daily and during a flare-up.
- Trigger diary, to track what causes your child’s symptoms
- Regular GP or paediatric appointments to review medication and symptoms
- A clean, dust-reduced environment at home; washing bedding regularly and vacuuming with a HEPA filter may help
- Consider an air purifier or dehumidifier if needed
Also, as your child grows older, involve them in learning how to use their medication and recognise their own symptoms. Knowledge builds confidence and safety.
How to Treat an Asthma Attack at Home: Are There Natural Remedies to Improve Asthma Symptoms?
Many people with asthma, myself included, have at some point wondered if there are natural asthma remedies, something beyond the puffers and prescriptions. While the idea of healing through herbs, diets, or breathing techniques can be appealing, it’s important to understand where these home remedies for asthma fit.
Although they may also help improve symptoms, natural remedies for asthma shouldn’t replace your prescribed asthma medications. That’s the bottom line. But some can work alongside your treatment plan and possibly improve how you feel day to day.
Breathing exercises for asthma, for instance, can help regulate how we breathe when things feel tight or panicked. Techniques like the Buteyko method or diaphragmatic breathing are used by some to reduce symptom severity, though results can vary. Yoga, with its mix of breathwork and gentle movement, has also shown promise. Personally, I find that even a short, quiet session on the mat can make a difference in how my chest feels.
Other approaches like acupuncture have had mixed results in studies, but some people report a genuine improvement in their symptoms and overall quality of life. Massage therapy, especially in children, can help lower stress levels, which are known asthma triggers. Diet also plays a role. Eating a Mediterranean-style or plant-rich diet may support lung health, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. I’ve noticed that when I eat more whole foods and fewer processed ones, I breathe easier (though that’s just my experience).
Regular, manageable exercise and keeping a healthy weight also support long-term asthma control. When done carefully, and with the right medications on hand, physical activity strengthens the lungs and can even build confidence in managing asthma. Smoking cessation is another critical piece for asthma patients. Quitting smoking (and avoiding secondhand smoke) is non-negotiable if you want to give your lungs the best chance.
There are also newer options like virtual asthma coaching, which offers tailored support and guidance, especially helpful for those of us trying to juggle life, kids, work ... and asthma.
How to Treat an Asthma Attack at Home: "Natural" Remedies
That said, many popular “natural” remedies, like essential oils or oral magnesium supplements, don’t hold up under scrutiny. Some can even be harmful. Essential oils, for example, can trigger an asthma attack rather than ease one. Herbal products and supplements often lack solid evidence and, worse, aren’t well regulated. What’s on the label might not match what’s in the bottle.
In the end, the best tip on how to treat an asthma attack at home is sticking with proven treatments, while staying open to supportive therapies. If you're curious about trying something new, have a conversation with your GP or respiratory specialist. It’s your body and your breath, and you deserve both safety and support in finding what works for you.
Final Thoughts: How to Treat an Asthma Attack at Home
Caring for a child with asthma on your own can feel overwhelming at times. It may bring late-night worries, school absences, and moments of fear. But the right knowledge, preparation, and tools can help you manage your asthma at home. You don’t have to feel powerless.
You are not alone in this. Many Australian mums are navigating asthma with their children. GPs, schools, and asthma support groups can provide information on how to treat an asthma attack at home. Most importantly, believe in your ability to care for your child. You’ve already proven your strength in countless ways.
With the right mindset and clear action steps, asthma doesn’t have to take over your life. Living with asthma can simply become one of the things you and your child learn to manage together.
