September marks the return to school for children after the summer holidays. While resuming normal routines is generally welcomed, it can present challenges for children with asthma.
Research conducted by Asthma + Lung UK found that in the 2022/2023 academic year there was a 348 % increase in hospital admissions for five to 14 year-olds due to asthma attacks in September compared to August.
This stark increase highlights the need to support parents and guardians in managing their child’s asthma effectively as the school year begins.
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Understanding the september asthma epidemic1
Several factors can drive the rise in asthma flare-ups as children return to school, including:
- Disruption of medication routines during the summer holidays.
- Exposure to triggers upon returning to school.
- Emotional stress associated with starting a new school year.
Given these factors, it’s important for parents and guardians to be well-informed and prepared for the transition back to school.
How can parents or guardians prepare?
Parents and guardians can take several steps to minimize the impact of returning to school on their child’s asthma symptoms.
Arrange a pre-school check-up
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Asthma reviews are really important when it comes to maintaining well-controlled asthma. Scheduling a pre-school check-up offers an opportunity to:
- Evaluate how well your child’s asthma is managed.
- Review medications.
- Assess inhaler technique.
Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) testing is a non-invasive test that measures airway inflammation in the lungs. It may be worth inquiring about this during the review to determine if it is the right step for your child.
FeNO testing can aid in confirming an asthma diagnosis if there is uncertainty, assess the efficacy of inhaled corticosteroids, and inform treatment adjustments.2
It may be beneficial if your child’s symptoms are variable or if you are uncertain about their asthma control as the school year begins.
FeNO testing with the NObreath® FeNO device
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The NObreath® is a portable, non-invasive FeNO testing device designed to facilitate asthma diagnosis and management. Conducting a FeNO test with the NObreath® is quick and straightforward, making it an ideal choice for pediatric asthma care.
The latest joint guidelines from the British Thoracic Society (BTS), National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), and the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) endorse FeNO testing as the first-line diagnostic method for asthma in children.3
Understand your child’s asthma triggers
Asthma triggers can vary significantly among individuals. A trigger for one child may not affect another. Knowing what triggers your child’s asthma is key to managing their condition effectively. Common school-related triggers may include:
- Dust
- Pollen
- Cold air
- Physical activity
- Stress
- Classroom pets
Understanding your child’s triggers allows for effective communication with school staff, and allows them to take necessary precautions.4
Communicate with the school
It’s essential that all the necessary school staff are fully aware of your child’s asthma, triggers, and medication needs.
Clearly label all medications and supplies, and inform the school so inhalers are stored safely. It may also be useful to check the school’s policies on medication use and whether your child is allowed to self-administer when needed.
Teach self-management skills
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The more your child understands asthma, the better they can manage it. Teach them to spot their symptoms and use their inhaler properly. Age-appropriate guidance gives them confidence to act if things worsen.
Starting a new school year can be daunting, but asthma doesn’t have to get in the way. With the right education, treatment, and preparation, the return to school can run smoothly.
Keep in mind that the new term can sometimes trigger flare-ups. Staying vigilant all year round is key to keeping your child’s asthma under control.
References and further reading
- Asthma + Lung UK. (2024). Number of children in hospital with life-threatening asthma attacks could quadruple as they return to school. (online) Available at: https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/media/press-releases/number-children-hospital-life-threatening-asthma-attacks-could-quadruple-they.
- NHS England. NHS Accelerated Access Collaborative» Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO). (online) NHS England. Available at: https://www.england.nhs.uk/aac/what-we-do/innovation-for-healthcare-inequalities-programme/rapid-uptake-products/fractional-exhaled-nitric-oxide/.
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2024). Overview | Asthma: diagnosis, monitoring and chronic asthma management (BTS, NICE, SIGN) | Guidance | NICE. (online) NICE. Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/NG245.
- Asthma + Lung UK. (2024). Asthma at school and nursery | Asthma + Lung UK. (online) Available at: https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/conditions/asthma/child/life/school.
About Bedfont® Scientific Ltd
Bedfont® Scientific has specialised in the design and manufacture of exhaled breath and gas monitoring instruments since 1976.
For medical gas monitoring, their Medi-Gas Check medical pipeline testing range verifies not only the quantity but also quality of gas administered to patients.
Bedfont's breath analysers include carbon monoxide (CO) monitors such as the Smokerlyzer®, used for smoking cessation, and the ToxCO®, used by emergency services, to diagnose CO poisoning.
The NObreath® FeNO monitor provides accurate analysis of airway inflammation for the control of asthma, and the Gastrolyzer® range aids in the detection of gastrointestinal disorders and food intolerances. Quick and non-invasive, breath analysis is the new blood test.
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