Children with asthma must continue using their inhalers during school holidays to prevent life-threatening risks, experts caution. Medical professionals observe a surge in asthma attacks in September as many parents mistakenly reduce or stop their children’s medication during the summer break, especially in warm weather. Kids who pause their asthma medication during summer are at a four times higher risk of hospitalization at the beginning of the school term, doctors emphasize.
Asthma, a respiratory condition affecting approximately one in every 11 children, manifests symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Parents should also be attentive to complaints of chest or abdominal pain in their children.
In a campaign video, Louise Tipping, an NHS respiratory nurse at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, highlights the significant increase in asthma attacks in September post-school holidays due to disruptions in medication routines during the break. Tipping stresses the importance of parents ensuring their child’s consistent use of asthma medication, particularly the preventer inhaler, as prescribed by healthcare providers. Following the child’s personal asthma action plan, being prepared for asthma triggers, and maintaining an up-to-date reliever inhaler are crucial steps to prevent life-threatening asthma attacks.
Official statistics from Asthma + Lung UK reveal a 348% rise in hospital admissions for asthma attacks among five to 14-year-olds in September compared to August. The data indicates a substantial increase in hospital admissions for five to nine-year-olds (370% rise) and 10 to 14-year-olds (307% rise) in September compared to the prior month. In 2024, the recorded figures highlighted a higher likelihood of boys in the five to 14-year age group being affected by asthma than girls.
Asthma & Lung UK supports the message, underlining the seasonal trend of increased hospitalizations for asthma attacks in September. They underscore the importance of children adhering to their medication routines, particularly their preventer medicines, well in advance of the school term to ensure proper asthma control and protection from potential attacks upon returning to school.
