Kids with asthma MUST use their inhalers regularly to avoid spike in deadly attacks when school starts, nurses warn

KIDS with asthma need to be using their inhaler every day to protect them against a potentially deadly attack when they go back to school, nurses have warned.

Each September there is a spike in hospital admissions for asthma as kids return to the classroom after the summer holidays.

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) said a lack of routine use during school holidays puts kids at greater risk of a life-threatening asthma attack, because their symptoms are not being managed.

Asthma-related hospital admissions treble among school aged children in September every year, the RCN said.

Lapses in routine, changes in the weather and exposure to new bugs, including coughs and colds, when they return to school leaves youngsters at a heightened risk.

Around three pupils in every classroom is thought to suffer from the deadly lung condition.

Fiona Smith, the RCN’s professional lead for children and young people, said: “Changes in routine during the holidays, the stress and excitement of going back to school as well as being exposed to new virus and colds, can leave children more vulnerable to asthma attacks.

“Children should not have to miss days off school because of their asthma.

“Booking your child’s annual asthma review before the school holidays end can help them manage their asthma and flag any new triggers before term starts.”

Asthma UK has issued the same warning, urging parents to book an appointment with their GP if they fear their child’s asthma is not under control.

Sonia Munde, head of services at the charity, said: “Going back to school should be an exciting time for children, but many end up in hospital fighting for life after an asthma attack.

“It could be avoided if parents know how to spot their child’s asthma is getting worse and know what to do if their child is having an asthma attack.

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“Parents should not feel afraid to book an urgent appointment with the GP or asthma nurse if their child is using their reliever inhaler (usually blue) three or more times a week, coughing or wheezing at night or feeling out of breath and struggling to keep up with their friends.”

Some 5.4 million Brits suffer from asthma.

Between August and September 2015, emergency asthma admissions in England, Scotland and Wales for children aged 0-14 tripled, increasing from 1,089 to 3,203, the RCN said.

Parents should ensure their children are taking preventer medication and book their child’s annual asthma review before the school term starts with their GP or asthma nurse.

They should also ensure their child has a personalised asthma action plan and discuss the plan with their child’s teacher.

Parents should also remember to pack their kid’s backpacks with their reliever inhaler, spacer and care plan.

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