WITH spikes in asthma flare ups common after the school holidays, South East parents and carers are urged to put their child’s asthma plan at the top of their back to school list.
According to Asthma Australia, researchers have found asthma flare-ups increase when children return to school after the Christmas break, resulting in a significant increase in emergency department visits, hospitalisations and days off school.
“The period after Christmas holidays is often ripe for an increase in asthma flare ups – sometimes preventer medicines are not taken daily as prescribed over the summer holidays or children mix with others and there is an inevitable spreading of viruses,” Asthma Australia chief executive Michele Goldman said.
“In preparation for the return back to school, we advise parents and carers to review and update their child’s Asthma Action Plan with their GP, with support from their local community pharmacist.”
Pharmacist Krystal Tresillian said community pharmacists could provide parents with valuable resources to educate them about treating and managing asthma.
“Pharmacists can educate parents about the proper use of inhalation devices, especially if their children have just been diagnosed and they are feeling uncertain or overwhelmed,” she said.
“It’s important that parents and their children are thoroughly educated about the condition, so they know their triggers and warning signs for an attack and they know what steps to take.”
