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Asthma in Children

Assessment and management by an experienced paediatrician 

Asthma is one of the most common long-term conditions in children, affecting approximately 1 in 11 children in the UK. It causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways, which can lead to coughing, wheezing, breathlessness, and chest tightness.

Many children with asthma can be managed very effectively with the right diagnosis, treatment plan, and inhaler technique. However, parents are often left with unanswered questions or uncertainty following a brief GP appointment. A comprehensive paediatric assessment can help clarify the diagnosis, optimise treatment, and identify underlying allergic triggers (if any).

At the London Allergy Clinic, Dr Tammy Rothenberg and Dr Emily Derrick provide thorough paediatric asthma assessments, particularly for children where allergies may be contributing to symptoms.

Dr Rothenberg takes a particular interest in asthma in children and is the paediatric asthma lead at Homerton Hospital.

Children's doctor

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the airways (bronchi).

In children with asthma, the airways are:

  • Inflamed (swollen)

  • Sensitive to triggers

  • Prone to narrowing (bronchoconstriction)

  • Associated with increased mucus production

 

This can make breathing more difficult, particularly during viral infections, exercise, or exposure to allergens.
 

Asthma symptoms often vary over time and may come and go.
 

Common symptoms include:

  • Wheezing (a whistling sound when breathing)

  • Persistent or recurrent coughing, especially at night

  • Breathlessness

  • Chest tightness

  • Coughing or wheezing during exercise

  • Frequent chest infections or prolonged recovery from colds
     

Early specialist input can help improve symptom control and reduce long‑term complications.

Asthma and allergies in children
Asthma can be linked with allergic conditions. Many children with asthma may also suffer with:
  • Eczema
  • Food allergies
  • Hay fever (allergic rhinitis)
  • Dust mite allergy
  • Animal allergy
     
This is known as the “atopic march”, where allergic conditions develop progressively during childhood.
Identifying and managing allergic triggers can significantly improve asthma control in some children.
 
Where appropriate, allergy testing may be considered. You can read more about a common testing approach here:
Skin Prick Allergy Testing

👉 You may wish to read more on our Paediatric Allergy and Paediatric Eczema pages.
When should your child be assessed for asthma?
A specialist paediatric assessment may be helpful if your child has:
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  • Persistent cough lasting more than 4 weeks
  • Recurrent wheezing episodes
  • Night-time coughing
  • Exercise-induced symptoms
  • Frequent use of reliever inhalers
  • Poor response to current asthma treatment
  • Suspected allergic triggers
  • Diagnostic uncertainty

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Child Reading Book
Dr Rothenberg places a strong emphasis on parent education and practical management plans, helping families feel confident managing asthma day‑to‑day.

What we offer at the London Allergy Clinic

​Dr Tammy Rothenberg  provides comprehensive paediatric asthma assessments, including:
 

  • Detailed review of symptoms and history

  • Assessment of possible allergic triggers

  • FeNO breath testing, with the result available during the appointment

  • Review and optimisation of inhaler treatment

  • Inhaler technique assessment

  • Guidance on preventer vs reliever use

  • Prescriptions where appropriate

  • Clear, personalised management plan
     

Appointments are 60 minutes, allowing time for a thorough and thoughtful assessment.
 

This service is particularly helpful for:

  • Children with suspected asthma

  • Children with poorly controlled asthma

  • Parents seeking specialist paediatric guidance

  • Children with asthma and suspected allergies

FeNO Breath Testing

FeNO stands for fractional exhaled nitric oxide.

 

It is a simple breath test that measures a gas in the patient's breath which tends to rise when a particular type of inflammation is present in the airways — the kind often found in asthma.

Your child breathes out steadily into a handheld device for a few seconds. There are no needles and nothing to swallow, and the reading appears straight away, so the doctor can explain what it means while you are still in the room.

 

Current UK asthma guidance recommends FeNO as a first-line objective test where symptoms suggest asthma. It is used alongside a full clinical assessment, never on its own — the reading is one piece of the picture, interpreted by the doctor with your child's history and symptoms.

 

FeNO can also help show how well a preventer inhaler is working.

Younger children need to manage the breathing technique for the test to work, so the doctor will judge whether it is suitable with you at the appointment.

GOOD TO KNOW

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Frequently Asked Questions

Happy Twins

How it works:

Call the clinic on 0207 637 9711 to speak to a friendly member of the team, or email enquiries@londonallergyclinic.com to book an appointment. 

We can also be contacted via WhatsApp 

If what you are looking for has not been mentioned, give us a call and we will let you know how we can help.

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