03 August 2011 | News

Back to School Asthma Control Countdown Begins- Just 4 Weeks to Go!

Asthma Society Youth Ambassador, Niall Carroll. September is just around the corner and now is the time to get your child’s asthma under control in time for the start of the school year. Children’s asthma exacerbations peak as the school term begins and paediatric asthma admissions to hospital increase by approximately 12% in September and October. Many factors contribute to this peak, including exposure to indoor and outdoor allergens, colds and flu viruses and changing weather conditions. Irish children lose an average of 12 days at school every year due to asthma. With just 4 weeks to go before the beginning of the school year the Asthma Society of Ireland is launching its new Children’s Management Plan, called “My Asthma Plan”, as part of the ‘Back to School with Asthma’ programme.

The “Back to School with Asthma” programme is launched this year by new Asthma Society Youth Ambassador and World Kickboxing Champion, 12 year old Niall Carroll, who has asthma. Commenting on the “Back to School with Asthma” programme and his new role as an Asthma Society Youth Ambassador, Niall said; “Just as I make sure my asthma is under control before a kickboxing tournament, I make sure it is under control in the weeks leading up to the school return. This year I start secondary school. With my daily kickboxing training and the extra demands of secondary school, I make sure I plan in advance to keep my asthma completely controlled, staying fit and healthy. I am very proud to be the first Asthma Society of Ireland Youth Ambassador and to launch the new Children’s Management Plan and “Back to School with Asthma” Programme.” Niall will travel to Spain later this year to defend his World Kickboxing Champion title.

The Children’s Management Plan, “My Asthma Plan”, has been developed by the Asthma Societyas a tool to help children monitor and manage their asthma. The new Children’s Management Plan and “Back to School with Asthma” programme will guide parents and children with asthma through the steps they should take over the next few weeks to ensure optimal asthma control.

Dr Jean Holohan, CEO, Asthma Society of Ireland commented, “Being prepared is so important for children and teenagers with asthma returning to school. It is important to schedule a visit to your child’s doctor or practice nurse to ensure that their asthma is effectively controlled. Ask your GP for a written Asthma Management Plan that details your child’s asthma symptoms and medications and provides specific instructions about what to do in an asthma attack. Download the new children’s asthma management plan, “My Asthma Plan,” from the Asthma Society website and go through it with your GP. Speak with your child’s teacher and sports coaches to ensure they are aware of their condition. The school should have best practice guidelines for children with asthma. With good planning there is no reason why your child should not have a healthy start to the new school year”.

Dr Basil Elnazir, Chairperson of the Asthma Society Medical Committee outlined the ‘Back to School” Programme; ‘These are some simple steps that parents and children with asthma can take to ensure that they stay healthy and enjoy optimal asthma control. If the child has stopped taking their preventer medication over the summer holidays now is the time to start back as it can take a few weeks to get maximum effect.’

Week 1 - Be in Control

Make an appointment to see your GP now for an asthma review.
Ask your doctor for a written asthma plan for your child – this will help you to manage your child’s asthma.
Download the new Children’s Management Plan “My Asthma Plan”, from the Asthma Society website.
Make sure your child takes their medication as prescribed – especially preventer medication.
Ask your healthcare professional to check your child’s inhaler technique.

Week 2 – Packing the School Bag

Make sure that you pack a reliever inhaler and that your child has one with them at all times - for children less than 12 years they may also need a spacer device for some inhalers.
Get an Asthma Attack Card from the Asthma Society – complete the details and put this with the reliever inhaler in the school bag. Study the information on the card with your child so that they can follow the “5 Minute Rule” in case of emergency.

Week 3 – Visit the School if Possible

Make sure that the school is aware that your child has asthma.
Check if the school has an asthma policy and knows what to do if a child in their care has an asthma attack. Contact the Asthma Society for a copy of their “Best Practice Asthma Management Guidelines for Schools in Ireland” booklet.

Week 4 – Back at School

Keep an eye on the Asthma Society of Ireland website, http://www.asthmasociety.ie, for ongoing advice to keep your child healthy over the autumn and winter period. Check for advice on exercising with asthma, flu vaccine and winter sports.

Download "My Asthma Plan"