Parents urged to book asthma check-ups ahead of school return

PARENTS and carers are being urged to book asthma check-ups for their children before the school year starts to avoid the annual February back-to-school asthma spike.

National Asthma Council Australia (NAC) guidelines committee member and paediatric respiratory physician Dr Geshani Jayasuriya said now is the time to prepare children for the 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,” Dr Jayasuriya said.

“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.”

Dr Jayasuriya urged parents to book their child’s annual asthma review before the school holidays end to help manage their condition.

“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,” she said.

She also advised parents to discuss vaccinations with their GP to ensure their children are fully protected before returning to school.

“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,”

Dr Jayasuriya said.