Today is World Asthma Day 2025, which urges healthcare professionals around the globe to make inhalers accessible for all.

Here, Alison Senior, who is part of our Children and Young People Network, which aims to improve our youngsters’ health in Greater Manchester, writes about the importance of having the correct medication, as well as the correct education on how to use it.

‘Today, on World Asthma Day, we celebrate the importance of making inhalers accessible for every child who needs them.

In the UK, we are fortunate that children’s prescriptions, including asthma inhalers, are free — something we should never take for granted.

Easy access to medication is a vital first step, but helping children manage their asthma effectively goes beyond just collecting an inhaler.

Taking asthma medication regularly, exactly as prescribed, is essential for keeping symptoms under control and preventing serious attacks. Equally important is making sure your child is using their inhaler correctly.

Most children will need to use a spacer device with their inhaler to ensure the medicine reaches deep into their lungs – a spacer is a tube-like device that connects to the inhaler, sometimes with a mask which fits over the child’s mouth and nose .

Poor technique can mean the medication isn’t working as it should.

Every child with asthma should also be given a personalised asthma action plan by their healthcare provider. This plan provides clear instructions on how to manage their asthma day-to-day, and what to do if symptoms get worse.

This World Asthma Day, let’s make sure every child has the tools, knowledge and support they need to breathe easy — today, tomorrow and always.’