Asthma hospitalisations among children double after return to school, study finds

The number of Scottish children being hospitalised for asthma attacks more than doubled in September last year as pupils returned to the classroom, figures show.

Data from Asthma + Lung Scotland most recent data shows there were 63 hospital admissions for school-aged children in July, 111 in August and 168 in September last year.

Over the past five years, August and September have seen more than 1,100 hospital admissions for asthma among children and young people aged five to 19.

With an estimated 147,000 children living with asthma in Scotland, Asthma + Lung UK Scotland has warned parents and teachers to be extra vigilant during the back-to-school period.

Preventer inhaler routines can lapse over the holidays, leaving airways more vulnerable to asthma triggers such as viruses, dust mites and pollen.

Claire Stirling from Kirknewton has a 12-year-old daughter Emily who has asthma. She was diagnosed at three years old.

She said: “My daughter Emily has asthma which is well controlled now. She takes her preventer inhalers daily and always has her reliever inhaler with her.

“As she gets older and become more independent, she is very aware that she could be hospitalised because of her asthma, but especially at this time of year when she’s back with her classmates in school and there’s an increased chance of picking up a cough, cold or a virus.

“I welcome any messaging to help parents and teachers be aware of triggers such as dust and bugs when they go back to school. It’s always an extra worry, as it is for any parent with a child with asthma, when they go back after the summer holidays.”

Parents and carers of children with asthma are encouraged to ensure their child takes their preventer inhaler as prescribed and always has quick access to their reliever inhaler at school.

An annual asthma review should be booked with a GP or asthma nurse, and inhaler technique should be checked regularly to ensure it’s being used correctly.

It’s also important to share an up-to-date asthma action plan with the child’s school or college, outlining their triggers, symptoms, medication, and clear instructions on what to do in the event of an asthma attack.

Joseph Carter, head of Asthma + Lung UK Scotland said: “When children go back to school after the summer holidays, we often see an increase in the number of asthma attacks, leading to more hospital visits. Bugs from colds and other viruses or dust mites in schools or gym halls, could be to blame.

“With this in mind, Asthma + Lung UK Scotland is asking parents and teachers to look out for signs that their child or pupil’s asthma may be worsening. This could be breathlessness, wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and if it is, to take urgent action.

“Usual preventer inhaler routines could have gone awry over the summer holidays, which can leave children much more vulnerable to an asthma attack when they return to school and are around more triggers.

“We would also like to really encourage all schools to download our free Asthma at School poster, so they are prepared for the new term and know what to do if a pupil does have an asthma attack.”

Public health minister Jenni Minto said: “Asthma affects many people in Scotland including children, it is vitally important to know what to do if a child is affected and we welcome this campaign in raising awareness.

“Many people might not recognise the warning signs or know what to do if someone is suffering from an asthma attack. Having an attack, or even witnessing one, can be upsetting and knowing what to do can help save a life.

“Education authorities, health boards and schools have received Scottish Government guidance about the use of reliever inhalers to treat an attack.”