Asthma in simple terms is an allergy, in which the airways constrict this causes it to inflame, triggering your body to protect itself and sending mucous to cool down the inflammation. This only makes things worse because your tube is already so narrow, with mucous now being created along the lining it closes even further, hence the reason why when having an asthma attack it is very difficult to breathe.

To make children aware of how dangerous this allergy actually is, it might be an idea to get a plastic version of the respiratory system and show the various parts that can be affected. Alternatively it would be cheaper to buy a poster (some doctors surgeries will give these out free) of respiratory system and high light the various parts of the body that become affected.

Posters on children's walls can be a great way of showing exactly what goes on, because once you have explained to them what is actually happening, they will see the poster every time they go in their room, and will unconsciously think about the conversation you had with them explaining the problems.

You will need to explain to them that asthma is worse in the winter, this is due to the wet conditions, it causes allergic reactions on the respiratory system, meaning that they are more susceptible to attacks. It also need to be made aware to children asthma sufferers that their immune system is not as good as non-asthma suffers, this means they are more likely to catch viruses such as colds, flu etc. The NHS will offer asthma sufferers a flu vaccination at the end of every autumn; it is advised that you make sure your child has had it. The vaccination is to build up their immune system against the common cold and various types of flu.

Asthma is possibly the most dangerous when sufferers also have a chest infection, it is this infection that can cause many asthma sufferers to die. A chest infection is when a person finds it extremely difficult to breathe anyway, with it hurting their chest with every inhale and ex-hale. If your child ever suffers from this, take them to your local surgery immediately so that some anti-biotic can be prescribed.

As a parent if you can just explain that they are more susceptible to viruses, and that on occasions they will find it extremely difficult to breathe (make sure your child is clear that you need to breathe to live, this might sound silly but you will be surprised).

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