Respiratory · Belfast
Paediatric Asthma Clinic — Belfast
Private asthma assessment and management for children in Belfast and Northern Ireland. Dr Mugilan Anandarajan, Consultant Paediatrician, has a special clinical interest in childhood asthma and allergic respiratory conditions.
What is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic condition affecting the airways of the lungs. In asthma, the airways become inflamed, narrowed, and produce excess mucus — making it difficult to breathe.
Asthma is the most common chronic condition in children in the UK, affecting around 1 in 11 children. It can range from mild and intermittent to severe and persistent.
Allergic Asthma
The majority of childhood asthma is allergic in nature — triggered by allergens such as house dust mite, pet dander, pollen, and mould. Identifying and managing allergy triggers is a key part of asthma management.
Symptoms of Asthma in Children
- Recurrent wheeze (a whistling sound when breathing)
- Persistent or recurrent cough — especially at night or with exercise
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Chest tightness
- Symptoms triggered by colds, exercise, cold air, or allergens
- Symptoms that are worse at night
- Reduced exercise tolerance
- Frequent use of reliever inhaler
When Should You Seek Help?
Your child has recurrent wheeze, cough, or breathlessness
Symptoms are affecting sleep or school attendance
Your child needs their reliever inhaler more than twice a week
Asthma is not well controlled on current treatment
You want to know if allergy is triggering your child's asthma
Your child has had a severe asthma attack requiring hospital admission
You want a formal asthma diagnosis and management plan
Your child's inhaler technique needs review
What Happens During the Consultation?
Clinical History
Detailed history of respiratory symptoms, triggers, current medications, and family history of asthma and allergy.
Examination
Full respiratory examination including auscultation of the chest and assessment of growth.
Investigations
Lung function testing (spirometry) in older children, allergy testing (skin prick testing / specific IgE), and chest X-ray if indicated.
Management Plan
Personalised asthma action plan, inhaler prescription and technique review, trigger avoidance advice, and follow-up.
Investigations Available
Spirometry
Lung function test measuring airflow. Suitable for children aged 5 and over.
Peak flow monitoring
Home peak flow diary to assess variability in airflow — a hallmark of asthma.
Skin prick testing
Tests for allergic triggers including house dust mite, pet dander, pollen, and mould.
Specific IgE blood tests
Blood tests to identify allergic sensitisation to common respiratory allergens.
Chest X-ray
To exclude other causes of respiratory symptoms where appropriate.
Special Interest in Childhood Asthma — Belfast
Dr Mugilan Anandarajan has a special clinical interest in childhood asthma and allergic respiratory conditions. He holds a Diploma in Asthma and a Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Health Science Allergy, and has extensive experience managing children with asthma across Belfast and Northern Ireland.
Appointments are available at Kingsbridge Private Hospital and Ulster Independent Clinic. No GP referral is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is asthma and how common is it in children?
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition of the airways causing episodes of wheeze, cough, breathlessness, and chest tightness. It affects around 1 in 11 children in the UK, making it the most common chronic childhood condition. It is caused by a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental triggers.
What are the signs of asthma in a child?
Signs include recurrent wheeze (a whistling sound when breathing out), persistent or recurrent cough (especially at night or with exercise), breathlessness, and chest tightness. Symptoms are often triggered by colds, exercise, cold air, allergens (pollen, dust mites, pet dander), and cigarette smoke.
How is asthma diagnosed in children?
Asthma diagnosis in children is based on a pattern of symptoms, clinical examination, and response to treatment. In children aged 5 and over, spirometry (lung function testing) and bronchodilator reversibility testing can support the diagnosis. In younger children, diagnosis is largely clinical. FeNO (fractional exhaled nitric oxide) testing can help assess airway inflammation.
Do I need a GP referral to see Dr Anandarajan about my child's asthma?
No. You can book directly without a GP referral. Dr Anandarajan sees children aged 0–16 with asthma and recurrent wheeze at Kingsbridge Private Hospital and Ulster Independent Clinic in Belfast.
What is the difference between a reliever and a preventer inhaler?
A reliever inhaler (usually blue — salbutamol/Ventolin) relaxes the airway muscles quickly to relieve symptoms during an attack. It should be used when symptoms occur. A preventer inhaler (usually brown or purple — containing an inhaled corticosteroid) reduces airway inflammation and prevents symptoms when taken regularly every day, even when the child feels well.
Are inhaled steroids safe for children?
Yes. Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are safe and effective for children with persistent asthma. They are delivered directly to the lungs in very small doses and have minimal systemic absorption. The benefits of well-controlled asthma far outweigh the small risks associated with ICS use. Dr Anandarajan will prescribe the lowest effective dose.
What triggers asthma in children?
Common triggers include viral respiratory infections (the most common trigger in children), exercise, cold air, allergens (house dust mites, pet dander, pollen, mould), cigarette smoke, air pollution, and strong smells. Identifying and managing triggers is an important part of asthma management.
When should I take my child to A&E for asthma?
Seek emergency help immediately if your child has severe breathlessness (too breathless to speak or eat), is breathing very fast, their lips or fingernails are turning blue, their reliever inhaler is not helping, or they are exhausted from breathing. Call 999 or go to A&E immediately. Do not wait.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
About asthma in children in children
Is your child affected by asthma or wheeze?
Dr Anandarajan offers same-week appointments with no GP referral required at Kingsbridge Private Hospital and Ulster Independent Clinic, Belfast.