NHS Surrey urges parents to seek asthma advice (From Surrey Comet)

NHS Surrey urges parents to seek asthma advice

7:20am Wednesday 1st September 2010 in

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Parents are being urged to produce asthma action plans for their children, after figures released by the NHS information centre showed a 58 per cent increase in hospital admissions in September last year.

There was a similar sudden increase in September 2008 after figures soared to more than double the monthly average for the entire year.

Dr Janet Lambley, public health consultant at NHS Surrey, said: “Now is a good time to start getting ready for the new term and take a few simple, precautionary, steps.

“Help your child have a plan to deal with their asthma if they notice it getting worse. Make sure they know the signs and triggers and where to find their medicine or ask for help.”

Further precautions can be taken by going to regular reviews with a GP or asthma nurse to ensure the condition has not worsened and the child is using their inhaler properly.

It is believed that the increase in the number of asthma related hospital admissions in September is due to the spread of the cold virus, demands of a new school and how often preventative medication has been taken over the summer holidays.

For more information and to draw up your own asthma plan, please visit asthma.org.uk.