Hospitalisation spike likely during back-to-school period

A spike in asthma-related hospitalisations is expected as children flock through school gates for the start of a new year.

The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ is encouraging everyone to be aware of the symptoms of an asthma attack and how to respond, with hospitalisations from attacks at their highest during week 3 of Term 1.

Symptoms of an asthma attack are a worsening cough, persistent wheezing, shortness of breath and/ or feeling tight in the chest.

Chief Executive Ms Letitia Harding says the back-toschool period is always a vulnerable time for the one in eight Kiwi children with asthma.

"The ‘back-to-school effect’ is greater than the ‘winter effect’ when it comes to children’s respiratory disease, with the risk of hospitalisation two and a half times higher on the peak day in the third week of Term 1, than on the first day of term."

International studies have shown that various factors are associated with the increase, including a change of environment and exposure to different allergens, changes in emotions such as stress or anxiety, and exposure to more viruses from being around more people, Ms Harding says.

To keep children safe through the return-to-school period, parents and caregivers should ensure that their child has an Asthma Action Plan, which is shared with their school and their teacher, Ms Harding says.

"Make sure your child is taking their preventer medication as prescribed and bringing their reliever inhaler to school, and check that it’s not empty or out of date."

Asthma is a common illness in New Zealand, affecting one in eight children and one in eight adults. About 96 people die from asthma each year - that’s nearly two people per week.

In addition, one-third of all respiratory-related hospital admissions are children and it is estimated that more than 360,000 school days are lost each year due to asthma-related symptoms in children.

For most children, going back to school is an exciting time, Ms Harding says.

"But unfortunately, for many, this period can lead to severe reactions - putting children at risk."That’s why investing in educating children about asthma is a huge focus for us," she says.

The Foundation provides numerous Sailor the Pufferfish live musical shows at schools throughout the year to help children and teachers learn about asthma triggers and what to do in an emergency. These lessons can also be accessed digitally through our website.

In addition, Asthma Action Plans can be downloaded for free on the Foundation’s website.

The results are in...

As part of this year’s ‘Back to School’ awareness campaign, the Foundation ran an underwaterthemed colouring-in competition featuring Sailor the Pufferfish and Jelly (from our asthma education show).

We had over 100 entries – a massive increase on last year’s competition – so judging was extremely tough!

We narrowed it down to 10 finalists, with the DVS team making the final call.

In the end, it was Maanvir, from Papatoetoe Intermediate, who was chosen as the winner.

Congratulations!

Their amazing entry was fun, bright and vibrant!

A huge thank you to our Gold Friends of the Foundation partner, DVS, for sponsoring the competition, and providing Maanvir with a $250 art supplies voucher (and one for the school as well), plus a live asthma education show with Sailor the Pufferfish.

Thank you to all those who entered!