Medics have warned that children with asthma must continue using their inhaler throughout the school holidays or risk life-threatening attacks. Nurses and doctors, including those at Birmingham Children's Hospital, say they regularly see a surge in asthma attacks in September after the six-week break, often because parents mistakenly reduce or stop medication, especially in warm weather.
Asthma, a lung condition affecting around one in every 11 children, causes symptoms such as coughing, wheezing and breathlessness. Parents are also advised to look out for complaints about chest or stomach pain.
Fourfold increase in hospital admissions
Children whose medication is paused during the summer are four times more likely to be admitted to hospital at the start of the autumn term, doctors warn. Official figures from Asthma + Lung UK show a 348% rise in hospital admissions for five to 14-year-olds with an asthma attack in September compared with August.
The largest increase is among five to nine-year-olds, with a 370% rise in admissions, while among 10 to 14-year-olds the figure is 307%. The data, recorded in 2024, also showed that boys in the five to 14 age group are more likely to be affected than girls.
Nurse urges parents to stick to routine
In a campaign video, Louise Tipping, an NHS respiratory nurse at Birmingham Children's Hospital, said: “Asthma attacks tend to increase significantly in September after the school holidays, likely due to disruptions in medication routines during the summer break. However, by taking a few simple steps, parents can help their child to avoid asthma attacks and enjoy the summer as much as anyone else.”
She added: “Even if your child is feeling well and has been running around all summer, it’s vital to keep on top of their asthma medication and ensure they’re taking their preventer inhaler as instructed by their GP or asthma nurse. This means they’ll have the best level of protection before they head back into the classroom.”
Parents are advised to follow their child’s personal asthma action plan and keep it handy, and to ensure the child always carries an in-date reliever inhaler, usually blue, as an asthma attack can be life-threatening.
Charity backs the message
Asthma + Lung UK supported the warning, stating: “Every September, there’s a rise in the number of children in the UK who go to hospital because of asthma attacks. Some children get out of routine during the summer holidays and do not take their preventer medicines as prescribed. This can lead to their asthma being poorly controlled when they go back to school.”
The charity advises making sure children stick to their medicine routine a few months before returning to school to allow the medicine time to build up and provide protection.
Common asthma triggers at school
According to the NHS, asthma triggers when children return to school include air pollution, colds and flu, dust mites, strong emotions such as fear, stress and excitement, physical activity, mould, and pollen.
