Asthma is often linked to flare-ups — coughing, wheezing, and gasping for air — but it can also be a silent illness, striking unexpectedly. This was the case for Shae and her six-year-old son Noah.
In October 2023, Shae returned home from work to find her son, Noah, sniffling, sneezing, and battling a persistent cough. After giving Noah some medicine, the sneezing had subsided by the next day, but the dry cough remained.
A couple of days later Shae noticed Noah seemed unusually tired and sensed something was wrong.
“When I sat with Noah, I noticed his breathing was rapid and he had an unusual internal snoring sound, even though his mouth was closed. It was difficult to describe,” Shae recalled.
Alarmed, Shae reached out to an emergency department nurse friend and sent a video of Noah’s breathing. Her friend’s response was to take Noah to the hospital immediately. Although they were only four minutes from the nearest hospital, Noah was unresponsive by the time they arrived. He spent the next several days recovering in hospital.
”It was terrifying. I always thought an asthma flare-up meant gasping for air but didn’t realise they can be silent." - Shae
Following Noah’s discharge from hospital, Shae learnt that Rhinovirus had triggered the flare-up, a virus strongly linked to severe asthma exacerbations.
Shortly after, their GP referred them to Respiratory Care WA where they received a deeper understanding of Noah’s asthma following a Lung Function Test, his triggers, and how to perform the 4×4 in Asthma First Aid.
“Asthma flare-ups can strike at any time and if more people were aware of this, they could potentially save a life.”
Since their visit to Respiratory Care WA’s Children’s Respiratory Hub, Noah’s health and wellbeing has significantly improved with a clear treatment plan to manage his asthma daily and during flare-ups.
“Noah now plays footy and swims all the time. He’s no longer held back by his asthma,” says Shae.
“Respiratory Care WA has been so welcoming. Anytime I need advice or anything at all, I know I can contact the Children’s Respiratory Hub. Although I still find it terrifying at times, I’m so much more confident in my asthma knowledge for Noah and the whole family. You’re worth your weight in gold.”
”I don't feel like I'm different like I do at school. I especially love the birthday cake blowing the candles out game! Thank you for helping us.” - Noah
