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Asthma Resources for Parents & Carers

Maintenance and Reliever Therapy (MART)

MART uses one combined inhaler for prevention and relief of asthma symptoms. It contains steroid and a fast acting long-acting beta agonist (LABA). Examples of inhalers which can be used in MART for over 12 years of age are Symbicort and DuoResp Spiromax.

Advantages of MART:

  • Airway inflammation is treated when the patient is symptomatic, as well as providing relief
  • Improves adherence with asthma medications
  • Reduces the likelihood of asthma attacks and hospital admission
  • As many MART inhalers are dry powder inhalers, it offers an inhaler with lower carbon emissions

It is important you are assessed to see if you are able to use the inhaler devices before starting a MART inhaler and should be educated on how to use your inhaler when unwell. 

Children and young people with asthma can find a range of resources below to help you learn more about the condition:

·       What is asthma?

·       What things trigger asthma?

·       Beat Asthma resources for young people 

·       Moving on Asthma resources for young people living with asthma

·       Itchy Sneezy Wheezy: helping younger children to understand asthma

·       Short videos about asthma

 

If you are a parent or carer, find information below to help you better understand asthma and how to help your children to manage it:

·       What is asthma?

.       Normal peak flow values

·       What to do if your child is having an attack?

·       Air pollution and other asthma triggers

·       Asthma advice for parents and carers

·       Using asthma inhalers

·       What is an asthma action plan?

·       Asthma + Lung UK information and resources

·       Beat Asthma resources for families and schools 

Triggers:

 

Air pollution 
  • Defra UK AIR website: this website allows you to enter your postcode and it will then provide an air pollution forecast for the next 5 days. It also links you to health advice and any pollution alerts that have been issued.
  • Global action plan website (the charity behind the Clean Air Hub and National Clean Air Day): The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), have a UK air pollution forecast map where you can see the latest air pollution levels for your area on a map. You can also search by town or postcode to see more local information. 
  • Addresspollution: get a free Air Quality report for your address