PHARMACISTS are being urged to ask parents if their kids have an up-to-date asthma action plan, with the National Asthma Council Australia issuing a warning about a tripling in asthma cases as children return to school after the holidays.
The Council said visits to hospital emergency departments and asthma hospitalisations always surge during the first month of the school year, with pharmacists able to play a key role by ensuring children are taking preventive medications.
In Australia 20-25% of children's hospital admissions for asthma occur in Feb each year, with possible causes including not taking medication during the holiday period, the stress of returning to school, allergic triggers such as mould and dust, as well as "close quarters with new classmates who can bring a new batch of cold and flu bugs," the Council said.
Parents and carers are urged to take their children to the GP to have their asthma reviewed if they are using more of their reliever (Ventolin or Asmol) medications.
The Asthma Council also said parents can share a copy of their child's up-to-date written Asthma Action Plan with school staff and after school carers.
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