The Asthma Society of Ireland is to hold a free, back-to-school, asthma clinic in Castlebar next month and is warning parents and teachers ahead of an expected spike in hospital admissions for children with the condition at this time of year.
Emergency hospital admissions for children with asthma more than triple in the month of September, according to the society.
In response to this, the society is visiting Ballyvary National School on the morning of September 18 and also providing a free training and support clinic in Mayo between 2pm and 5pm in Hobans Car Park, Castlebar, on the same day.
Asthma is the most common chronic illness in Ireland and affects one in five children.
An asthma nurse specialist will be on hand at the clinic to help parents and teachers to learn more about asthma, and how to put an asthma management plan and a school policy in place to better control the condition for children.
Frances Guiney is an asthma nurse specialist with the Asthma Society of Ireland.
She said the “stark figures” show that the month of September is clearly a dangerous time for children with asthma.
‘Stark’
“Asthma is a very controllable condition, and many of these emergency situations can be avoided with the right support systems in place. It is imperative that parents and teachers empower children with an asthma management plan to achieve maximum control over the condition and cope with the onset of any asthma symptoms.
“Back-to-school can be an exciting, and often stressful, time for many children. A change of environment, coupled with exposure to colds and viruses, means that children are exposed to more asthma triggers.”
For advice or support on asthma, or for further information about the asthma clinics, visit www.asthma.ie
