Back to school asthma
Dr Andy, in-house GP, shares some of the reasons why asthma symptoms might be triggered by returning to school at this time of year and what you can do to help your child.
Everyone will have been affected by the pandemic in different ways, but a big focus of getting back to ‘normality’ has been the importance of children returning to school. It’s crucial that we get their development back on track, so they can catch up with their learning and meet up with their friends.
Every September, and August for Scotland, as the schools return after the summer holidays, we see more children being rushed to hospital with asthma attacks. Even though the time of year is different, there are certainly lessons here on how we can help manage children’s asthma.
Why can asthma be triggered by returning to school?
Some of the reasons why a child’s asthma symptoms might be triggered by a return to school at this time of year include:
children getting out of the habit of using their preventer medicines regularly – which allows inflammation to build up in their lungs
lots of children come down with colds when they go back to school – and this is one of the biggest triggers for people with asthma
stress and/or the excitement of being back at school
dust in unused classrooms
pollen and hay fever levels increasing
increased use of strong detergents and cleaning products
windows being open, to improve ventilation.
What can I do to help my child’s asthma?
Make sure your child is taking their preventer medicine every day, as prescribed. This is so important, as it will significantly reduce the risk of them having an asthma attack, as well as asthma symptoms generally. If your child is old enough, make sure they can take their inhaler properly by themselves.
You might find it helpful to watch our videos on how to use your inhaler and spacer, or you can ask your pharmacist to check your child’s inhaler technique. We also have advice on how to help your child use their inhaler.
Make sure your child has access to a reliever and spacer, so they can use them in school. These should ideally be in their original packaging, so that they come with their prescription labels.
Check that they have an up-to-date asthma action plan and Asthma School Card, then give these to the school. These ensure your school know what medicines your child takes and when they need them. If your child doesn’t have either of these, you can download an asthma action plan and an Asthma School Card from our website.
If hay fever or pollens are a trigger for your child’s asthma, make sure they start taking their hay fever medicines when they need to. This might include antihistamines and nose sprays. Speak with your GP, asthma nurse or pharmacist about the best options for your child.
Make sure that you have good communication with your child’s school about any changes to your child’s health. If you’re noticing that your child’s asthma symptoms are getting worse, tell them.
We have more advice on avoiding back to school asthma attacks on our health advice pages, which include tips for teachers.
How can I tell if my child’s asthma is getting worse?
The signs your child’s asthma symptoms are getting worse are:
taking their reliever inhaler three or more times a week
coughing, wheezing, or saying their chest hurts
breathlessness
waking up at night because of their symptoms.
If you notice that your child’s asthma is getting worse, follow their action plan. If their symptoms don’t get better, or their reliever inhaler isn’t lasting for four hours, call 999 and follow our asthma attacks advice for children.
Once their symptoms get better, make an urgent appointment with their GP.
I am excited and pleased for children to be going back to school. It will be great for their physical and mental health, but let’s make sure we keep on top of their asthma.
Help us continue the fight for people with asthma against COVID-19.
Generous donations from people like you, mean our charity Helpline and website can continue being there for people with asthma when they need us most!
The ongoing fight against COVID-19 means people with asthma will continue to need the help and support that your donations allow us to provide.
To help change the lives of people with asthma this year and beyond, please donate today – or set up a monthly gift, so we know we can rely on your ongoing support.
