Autumn and your asthma
In our in-house GP, Dr Andy’s latest blog, gives advice on staying well with your asthma as we make the transition into autumn.
As we head out of a disappointing British summer and into September, there’s a lot to think about. No doubt we will see the sunshine reappear when everyone is back to work and school – typical.
The NHS has been busier than normal. This is partly driven by the side-effects of COVID19, such as mental health issues, and also the re-circulating of viruses as lockdowns have been relaxed.
As people return to work after the holiday period, and as the rest of the UK’s schools follow Scotland back into normal term-time routines, we are likely to see an increase in viruses circulating and affecting people with lung conditions.
My main messages for everyone are to:
make sure you are taking your preventer medicine every day, as prescribed (and with the correct inhaler technique)
make sure you get any vaccines you’re offered (COVID-19, flu, pneumonia)
don’t delay seeking help if your asthma symptoms are getting worse (it can be harder to get back on top of them if left too long)
make sure you take up any opportunity for a routine review with your GP surgery or specialist - whether this is in person, by email, over the phone or via video call
stop smoking, if you’re a smoker
keep active (there are some great hints and tips about getting active when you have asthma on our website)
If you need any extra support or have any questions about staying well during autumn or winter, please contact the Asthma UK Helpline, where you can speak to a specialist nurse.
Back to school
As well as the increase in circulating viruses, children going back to school or nursery may also be faced with:
stress (or excitement)
an increase in certain moulds in the air, which can set off allergies
exposure to dusts/cleaning products at school
a change in routine.
It’s important to stay one step ahead of your child’s asthma at this time of year and to help the school be prepared too. Here are some key things that can help your child when sending them back to school:
Taking their preventer medicines every day, as prescribed, is essential. Make sure you keep them in a good routine and build in time to do it well, especially while the family will be under pressure to get everyone ready and into school and work on time.
Make sure your child has a reliever inhaler for school and they know how to access it quickly, at all times.
Download and complete an asthma school card with your GP or asthma nurse and give it to the school. This will help them know what to do if your child gets breathless or starts coughing and wheezing.
Make sure your child’s written asthma action plan is up to date and that it has been shared with your child’s school.
Check the school’s policy for needing to tell parents when an inhaler is used. If your child is in secondary school, your child should be telling you when they use their inhaler.
By involving your child in their asthma care, you’re more likely to help them develop good habits that will help keep their asthma under control and cut their asthma attack risk.
For more information, take a look at our page on how to avoid a back to school asthma attack.
Secondary school children
Secondary school children with asthma will face their own challenges and will likely be in charge of their own inhalers. Common issues can arise around older children and their asthma.
This can include:
not wanting to take their medicines regularly
not talking about their symptoms
not expressing their ideas or concerns about their condition or medicines
not wanting to be seen as different.
At secondary school, there will be increased independence, new activities and different subjects – all of which could have an impact on their asthma. Our information on asthma and teenagers might be useful.
If your child is in secondary school, make sure they know that they should tell an adult if they’ve had to use their inhaler and it hasn’t helped, or if they’ve used it and their symptoms have come back.
Whatever the age of your child, it’s crucial to keep an eye on their asthma symptoms and take action if needed. Follow the advice on their asthma action plan, especially if they are getting symptoms.
Anyone needing their reliever inhaler three times or more per week should have a review (unless their action plan states otherwise). Anyone with night-time asthma symptoms should have a review the next day, as this can be a sign of very serious asthma symptoms. Make sure there is good communication between you, your child and their teachers.
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