AS children return to school, Asthma Australia is urging parents to update their child’s Asthma Action Plan.
Just like packing a school hat, this simple step helps ensure your child’s asthma is well managed, and helps teachers, coaches and caregivers know exactly what to do if a flare-up occurs.
Asthma Australia chief executive Kate Miranda said sending your child back to school without an updated written Asthma Action Plan is just like sending them to play in the sun without a hat on.
“It’s one of those small but important steps to keep them protected – whether it’s from the sun’s rays or unexpected asthma flare-ups,” she said.
“The asthma burden on kids is significant with 42 per cent of Australians aged 0 to 14 with asthma having to take time off school due to their asthma.
“About 26,500 children under 15 visited an ED for asthma in 2021-22.
“Making sure that our kids start the school year on the front foot is clearly important.
“So, as you tick off the back-to-school checklist – hats, uniforms, lunchboxes – add an asthma refresh to the mix and book an appointment with your child’s doctor to update their Asthma Action Plan today.”
Why every child needs an Asthma Action Plan
AN Asthma Action Plan is a personalised guide created by your doctor to manage your child’s asthma.
It’s like an instruction manual for asthma that outlines how to handle flare-ups, monitor symptoms and provide appropriate treatment.
Regardless of how mild your child’s asthma may seem, everyone with asthma should have one.
The goal of the Asthma Action Plan is to prevent and control asthma symptoms.
Even if you know what to do when your child’s asthma flares up, it’s invaluable to have clear, written instructions from your doctor, especially in an emergency situation.
The plan covers four key areas:
1. How to look after your child’s asthma daily: Instructions for everyday asthma management.
2. What to do if asthma starts to flare up: Steps to take if symptoms worsen.
3. What to do if asthma becomes severe: Emergency actions if the flare-up becomes serious.
4. What to do in an asthma emergency: Instructions for life-threatening asthma attacks.
Asthma Australia offers both colour and black-and-white versions of the Asthma Action Plan, suitable for both children and adults, and accepted by schools and childcare facilities across Australia.
For more information, visit Asthma Australia’s website to download an Asthma Action Plan template.
Asthma is a serious and common chronic disease, affecting about 386,000 children in Australia – about two per classroom.
It is the leading cause of disease burden in children under 15, with four in 10 missing school each year due to asthma.
