Be asthma aware for back to school

Child using a volumatic inhaler for asthma

Families in the borough are encouraged to learn more about the signs and symptoms of asthma in preparation for the back to school season and cold weather to come.

In the UK, more than 1.1 million children have asthma. The severity of asthma symptoms varies between children, from very mild to more severe but for most it can be controlled. Asthma causes the airways to tighten which makes it difficult to breathe and causes wheezing, coughing or shortness of breath. When back at school and in the colder months, children are more likely to pick up a cold, which increases the risk of having an asthma attack.

“The exact causes of asthma are not fully understood but it is known to have a genetic link, as a child is more likely to have asthma if one or both parents have the condition,” said Inez Ingham Child Asthma Nurse from Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust.

“If a child does have asthma, it’s important that parents start preparing for the back to school season and colder weather now, because asthma attacks are most commonly triggered by an infection such as cold or flu. By planning early and speaking to your GP or children’s asthma nurse specialist, you can make sure you have the right skills and medication needed to keep an attack at bay.”

The Children’s Community Nursing team are registered nurses with hospital and community experience who provide care to children in their homes, school or care setting. They provide nursing care such as removal of stitches and post operative care, education about child health and help with managing a range of illnesses and conditions including asthma, eczema, constipation and cancer.

The team operate a child asthma service to provide asthma education and support to children aged between 0 to 16 years and their families. The nurses promote awareness and understanding of asthma and help children with asthma to lead full and active lives. If you would like to learn more about asthma, contact the team on 01706 261882.