As half term approaches, parents and carers are being reminded to stay on top of their child’s asthma care during the autumn holidays and in the run-up to Bonfire Night.
Asthma affects around one in eleven children across the UK, causing symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and breathlessness. While each child’s experience with asthma is different, it can usually be well controlled by taking a preventer inhaler daily—even when symptoms seem to have disappeared—and keeping a reliever inhaler close at hand for flare-ups.
How bonfires affect children with asthma:
Bonfires and fireworks can trigger asthma symptoms due to increased air pollution and smoke in the air.
- Air pollution: Bonfires and fireworks release harmful particles and gases such as sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide
- Inflamed airways: Breathing in the smoke irritates the airways, causing them to become inflamed and narrower
- Lingering effects: Air pollution can linger for several hours, increasing the risk of an asthma flare-up.
Top asthma care tips for families:
- Stick to your child’s daily preventer medication
- Always keep a reliever inhaler with your child
- Follow their personal asthma action plan.
Don’t delay if symptoms worsen – seek medical advice promptly.
Now is also an ideal time to book your child’s annual asthma review with your local GP practice, ensuring their asthma remains well controlled ahead of their return to school.
Sally Roberts, Chief Nursing Officer for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board, said: “Bonfire Night is a wonderful time for families, but the smoke and pollution can pose real challenges for children with asthma. By following a few simple steps – such as sticking to preventer medication and keeping a reliever inhaler close – parents can help keep their children safe and enjoy the celebrations with confidence.”
For more information on how to manage your child’s asthma, visit the Black Country 0–18 website.
You can also follow #ThinkAboutAsthmaBlackCountry on social media for more helpful tips on managing your child’s asthma.
