Asthma Care in Melbourne’s Inner West | Expert Childhood Asthma Support at Eleanor Clinic

Asthma-related hospital visits for children in Melbourne’s inner west remain among the highest in Victoria. Recent reporting in The Age has again highlighted the ongoing burden of respiratory illness, particularly for children affected by urban air quality, seasonal viral infections, and environmental triggers.

At Eleanor Clinic, we see this reality every day. Children commonly present with asthma, chronic cough, recurrent wheeze, and breathing difficulties that can significantly affect sleep, school attendance, and overall family wellbeing. Our focus is early diagnosis, structured asthma management, and preventing avoidable flare-ups and hospital presentations.

Comprehensive Childhood Asthma Care at Eleanor Clinic

Eleanor Clinic provides high-quality, evidence-based asthma care for children, including:

• Individualised asthma action plans
• Inhaler technique and spacer education
• Preventative (“controller”) asthma treatment
• Early treatment of asthma flare-ups
• Management of viral-triggered wheeze and respiratory infections
• Assessment and follow-up of chronic cough

Our GPs are experienced in identifying early signs of poorly controlled asthma and supporting families with clear, practical treatment plans.

Recognised Excellence in Asthma Care – Safer Care Victoria Project

Eleanor Clinic has actively participated in the asthma quality improvement initiative through the ICAM project, and in 2025 received a Certificate of Recognition from Safer Care Victoria for outstanding contribution to improving childhood asthma care.

This recognition reflects our commitment to structured, guideline-based asthma management and continuous improvement in paediatric respiratory health outcomes.

Specialist Paediatric Respiratory Care with Dr Marc Theilhaber

For children with more complex or persistent respiratory symptoms, Eleanor Clinic provides access to specialist paediatric respiratory expertise.

Marc Theilhaber is a paediatrician and paediatric respiratory specialist who independently consults at Eleanor Clinic. He works alongside GPs to support children with asthma and other lung and breathing conditions.

Dr Theilhaber accepts GP referrals from Eleanor Clinic as well as from other medical clinics, making specialist care accessible to families across Melbourne. Parents can simply ask their usual GP for a referral if they are concerned about their child’s breathing or lung health.

A GP referral is required for all consultations.

He brings advanced expertise in:

• Poorly controlled or severe childhood asthma
• Chronic or persistent cough
• Recurrent wheeze or unexplained breathing symptoms
• Exercise-related breathing difficulty
• Complex respiratory assessment and management

This integrated model ensures children receive coordinated care between their GP and specialist respiratory physician, improving both short-term symptom control and long-term outcomes.

Winter Respiratory Illness and Asthma Risk

As winter approaches, respiratory infections such as influenza and other viral illnesses become a major trigger for asthma exacerbations in children. These infections can significantly worsen symptoms and increase the risk of emergency department visits and hospital admissions.

The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne strongly recommends annual influenza vaccination for children with asthma or chronic respiratory conditions.
RCH Asthma Information for Parents

Flu Vaccination Options for Children

To support families ahead of winter, Eleanor Clinic offers:

• Standard influenza vaccination
• FluMist (needle-free nasal spray for children, private vaccine in Victoria)

FluMist helps improve vaccine accessibility for children who are needle-averse and supports better protection during peak respiratory virus season.

Environmental Health and Community Impact

We also recognise the growing evidence linking air quality and childhood respiratory disease. Supporting cleaner air initiatives in Melbourne’s inner west remains an important part of reducing long-term asthma burden in the community.

Preventative healthcare and environmental health policy both play a critical role in improving outcomes for local children.

When to Seek Help for Your Child’s Asthma

Early review is important. You should seek medical assessment if your child has:

• Frequent coughing, especially at night or with exercise
• Wheezing or shortness of breath
• Increasing need for reliever medication
• Persistent symptoms after viral infections
• Any history of emergency visits for breathing issues

Early intervention can significantly reduce the risk of severe asthma attacks and hospitalisation.

Trusted Asthma Resource

More information is available from the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne:
Asthma fact sheet for parents

Eleanor Clinic Asthma Care

Eleanor Clinic is committed to delivering high-quality, proactive asthma care for children in Melbourne’s inner west. By combining experienced GP management, structured asthma programs, and access to specialist respiratory expertise when required, we aim to improve outcomes and reduce preventable hospital presentations.

If you are concerned about your child’s breathing or asthma control, early review before the winter peak illness season can make a meaningful difference.

Be proactive and make an appointment to get on top of your kids asthma care.