The Asthma Society of Ireland is urging parents of children with asthma to visit their GP to ensure their child’s condition is controlled before returning to school this September.
Children's asthma can worsen as the school term begins due to exposure to colds and viruses, excitement or stress and managing their own medication for the first time. Approximately 470,000 people in Ireland have asthma and children with the condition will lose an average of 10 days from school every year.
With the current worldwide swine flu pandemic it is especially important that a child’s asthma is well controlled before returning to school. People with asthma are no more likely to catch swine flu than anyone else but if they do catch a respiratory infection like swine flu, it could add to any breathing difficulties they already have due to asthma.
The following checklist has been issued to ensure parents of children with asthma are prepared for the new school year:
Schedule an asthma check-up with your child’s GP and ask for a personal written Asthma Action Plan (sample can be downloaded from www.asthmasociety.ie ).
Pay close attention to the recommendations issued by the HSE and the Asthma Society of Ireland in relation to swine flu and be vigilant for updates regarding possible vaccination guidelines in the coming months.
Check if your child’s school has Asthma Management Guidelines
Visit your child’s school nurse, teachers and sports coaches to inform them of his/her condition.
Check if your child’s school allows students to carry and independently administer their asthma medication.
Ensure that your child’s school knows whom to contact in case of an emergency.
Good hygiene is the first line of defence against any type of cold or flu — make sure your child washes his or her hands frequently, especially after coughing or sneezing.
Contact the Asthma Society of Ireland for a copy of their Best Practice Asthma Management Guidelines for Schools in Ireland. For further information visit www.asthmasociety.ie or call 1850 445464.
