Act now to avoid the ‘back-to-school asthma spike’

Parents and carers of children with asthma are being encouraged to book in an asthma check-up now to avoid the annual February ‘back-to-school asthma spike’.

Dr Geshani Jayasuriya, a paediatric respiratory physician and member of the National Asthma Council Australia (NAC) Guidelines Committee said right now is a great time to help get children asthma-ready for the school year ahead.

“One in nine children live with asthma in Australia and going back to school should be an exciting time for these children and their parents.

“However, changes in routine during the holidays which may have resulted in missed preventer doses, combined with exposure to shared viruses in the classroom and a change of environment, can leave children more vulnerable to asthma flare-ups in the month following the return to school.

“Unfortunately, this results in a ‘back to school asthma spike’ each February with some children even requiring hospital admission to deal with asthma flare-ups or attacks,” she said.

Dr Geshani Jayasuriya said booking your child's annual asthma review before the school holidays end can help manage their asthma before the term starts.

“The last thing parents want is an asthma flare-up that might see their child end up in hospital or missing out on fun activities so good asthma control is key to a healthy and safe start to the school year,” she said.

Dr Jayasuriya added that it was important for children with asthma to be vaccinated if possible before the start of the school year.

“If parents are unsure about getting their child with asthma vaccinated, then we encourage them to have a discussion with their GP before their child starts the 2025 school year.

“January is an ideal time to have a full asthma check-up with your GP including a review of your child’s medications, Written Asthma Action Plan and inhaler technique for relievers and preventers ahead of the February back-to-school asthma spike,” said Dr Jayasuriya.

The NAC has prepared the following checklist for a symptom free start to the school year:

• Set your child up for a safe and healthy school year – schedule their asthma check-up today with your health provider and discuss vaccinations for your child if you have questions
• Make sure your child is taking any asthma prevention medicine as prescribed
• Share a copy of your child’s up-to-date Written Asthma Action Plan with school staff, after-school carers and sporting coaches and talk to them about your child’s asthma symptoms
• Make sure your child knows to tell school staff when they have asthma symptoms
• Check that your child knows how to effectively use their inhaler by themselves (if old enough), or with help from school staff

Download the NAC’s Back to School Checklist.  More resources are available at nationalasthma.org.au including how-to video tutorials demonstrating the correct use of asthma medications.

For further information or an interview with a National Asthma Council Australia spokesperson, please contact:

Donna Le Page, Le Page PR

Mobile: 0429 825 703 or Email: [email protected]

The National Asthma Council Australia is a collaboration of four member organisations (APNA, ASCIA, PSA and RACGP) and the national trusted authority for asthma knowledge. We set and disseminate the standards for asthma care through our responsive and evidence-based asthma guidelines - the Australian Asthma Handbook and resources for primary health care professionals. Our Sensitive Choice program empowers consumers to identify asthma and allergy-aware products and services.