Children's Asthma
Asthma is one of the most common chronic conditions affecting children, but it can look very different from one child to the next. At Little Lungs, Dr Harvey Kok provides thorough, individualised assessment and long-term management of childhood asthma, taking the time to understand your child's specific triggers, severity, and how the condition affects their daily life, school and activities.
Understanding childhood asthma
Asthma is a condition in which the airways become inflamed and narrowed, making it harder for air to move in and out of the lungs. Symptoms can range from mild and occasional to frequent and disruptive, and often change as a child grows. Getting the right diagnosis and management plan early can make a real difference to a child's confidence, sleep, and participation in everyday activities and sport.
Common signs and symptoms
Wheeze, particularly with colds, exercise or at night
A persistent or recurrent cough, especially overnight or with activity
Shortness of breath or rapid breathing
Chest tightness (older children may describe this as their chest "hurting" or feeling "tight")
Reduced ability to keep up with peers during play or sport
Symptoms that flare with colds, allergens, exercise, or changes in weather
Assessment & Management
Dr Kok's assessment includes a detailed history of your child's symptoms and triggers, a physical examination, and, where appropriate, lung function testing to measure how well your child's airways are working. This may include spirometry for children old enough to perform the test reliably, and additional tests to identify allergic triggers where relevant.
Asthma management is tailored to each child, and typically includes:
A clear, written asthma action plan for home, school and childcare
Guidance on preventer and reliever medications, including correct inhaler technique
Identification and management of individual triggers, such as allergens, viral infections or exercise
Regular review to adjust treatment as your child grows and their asthma changes
Support and education for families, carers, and schools
Dr Kok places particular emphasis on making sure families feel confident managing asthma day to day, including recognising early warning signs of a flare-up and knowing when to seek further care.
When to seek assessment
If your child has recurrent wheeze, a persistent cough, or breathing difficulty that affects their sleep, activity or school attendance, a specialist assessment can help clarify the diagnosis and put an effective long-term plan in place.
Next Steps - Arrange an Assessment
To arrange an assessment for your child, speak with your GP about a referral, or contact the Little Lungs team directly to discuss appointment options across our Sydney, Newcastle and regional NSW locations.
Paediatric Respiratory & Sleep Services across Sydney & Newcastle
Whether your child has been recently diagnosed with a respiratory condition, you have concerns about their sleep, or you are simply looking for a specialist who will take the time to listen, Little Lungs is here for you. We are committed to helping children across Sydney breathe well, sleep well, and thrive.