As the school year begins, so too does the most dangerous period of the year for children with asthma, with a spike in hospitalisations expected just weeks after students return to the classroom.
The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ is urging parents, caregivers, and schools to be alert to the signs of an asthma attack, as data shows hospitalisations peak in the third week of Term 1.
Symptoms of an asthma attack include a worsening cough, persistent wheezing, shortness of breath, and/or tightness in the chest.
Chief Executive Ms Letitia Harding says the return-to-school period is a consistently risky time for the one in eight Kiwi children living with asthma.
"Every year we see the same pattern: children go back to school, routines change, bugs start circulating, and within weeks emergency departments are under pressure from preventable asthma attacks."It’s often referred to as the ‘back-to-school effect’ and it is actually stronger than the winter peak," she says.
"On the worst day in week three of Term 1, a child’s risk of being hospitalised with asthma is two and a half times higher than on the first day of term.
"International studies show the increase is linked to a combination of factors, including exposure to new allergens, changes in environment and routine, emotional stress or anxiety, and increased exposure to viruses as children mix more closely in classrooms, Ms Harding says.
"This isn’t about one single trigger - it’s the perfect storm - and for some children, that storm can land them in hospital."To reduce the risk, parents and caregivers should make sure their child has an up-to-date Asthma Action Plan and that it is shared with their school and teacher, Ms Harding says.
"An Asthma Action Plan tells adults exactly what to do when a child’s breathing starts to deteriorate, and in a crisis, that clarity can make all the difference.
"Families should check that children are taking their preventer medication, as prescribed, and always carrying their reliever inhaler to school, she says.
"Don’t assume their inhaler in the school bag is ready to go - please check that it’s there, that it’s not empty, and that it hasn’t expired.
"Schools also play a critical role in being prepared for asthma emergencies, Ms Harding says."Every school should have an asthma emergency kit that’s easy to access and ready to use.
"When a child is struggling to breathe, minutes matter - and having the right equipment on hand can prevent a frightening situation from becoming a medical emergency.
"Asthma remains one of New Zealand’s most common chronic conditions, affecting one in eight children and one in eight adults. Around 96 people die from asthma each year - nearly two people every week.
In addition, one-third of all respiratory-related hospital admissions
are children, and it is estimated that more than 360,000 school days
are lost each year due to asthma symptoms.Asthma Action Plans can be
downloaded for free - and Asthma Emergency Kits can be purchased - from
the Foundation’s website.
