As parents and children get ready to return to school, the Asthma Society of Ireland is warning of the dangers posed by asthma during these first few vital weeks of the school year.
Asthma affects twenty per cent of children in Ireland and is potentially fatal if not managed or treated correctly. Emergency hospital admissions for asthma increase significantly during the month of September due to children's exposure to new allergens and triggers, including:
- Colds and viruses
- Excitement or stress
- Children learning to manage their own medication for the first time or relying on a teacher to be in charge of their inhalers
The Asthma Society of Ireland is encouraging parents to put a plan in place before their children return to school so that everyone knows what to do if an asthma attack happens. Parents should also have their child’s asthma reviewed by a GP before school starts as colds and flu are more common during the autumn and winter months.
The Asthma Society is also highlighting the importance of making teachers aware that your child has asthma and letting them know the triggers for, symptoms of and response to an asthma attack. They offer a free training session with an asthma nurse to all schools, targeting parents and teachers who wish to learn more about managing asthma in children.
Visit www.asthma.ie for further advice and a range of useful downloads.
