Watch the wheeze during back-to-school period

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30 January 2011

Parents of children with asthma should prepare back to school asthma action plans ahead of the anticipated spike in asthma cases at the start of the school term.

“There is always a spike in asthma cases when kids return to school, particularly after the summer holidays and we want to make sure mums and dads are prepared,” Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon said.

“Keeping Australians healthy and out of hospital is a key focus of the Gillard Government, so it is important that parents and schools are aware that every February there is a spike in asthma-related hospital admissions among school-aged children.

Ms Roxon said parents can be prepared by having an up-to-date asthma management plan developed in consultation with their GP, and by continuing medication throughout the holiday period. If medication has stopped during this period, it should be restarted as soon as possible.

“The increase in hospital visits probably occurs because kids tend to pick up cold and flu viruses from each other and also because they haven’t been rigorous with their medication over the break.

“We know that the back to school period is a high risk time for asthma sufferers and that is why we have invested in the Child and Adolescent Asthma Management Program, which will provide valuable support to parents and schools.

As part of the $22.7 million Asthma Management Program, the Child and Adolescent Program targets children, adolescents and parents of children with asthma and provides information and emergency training for pre-school and school staff, and self management in adolescents.

The Asthma Management Program aims to reduce the personal, social and economic impact of asthma which affects over two million Australians.

“The program contributes to safer, healthier and more supportive environments for students with asthma,” Ms Roxon said.

Support for asthma management and information on the availability of training for pre-school and school staff is available from your local Asthma Foundation on 1800 645 130 or www.asthmaaustralia.org.au

For more information, contact Ms Roxon’s Office: (02) 6277 7220