Asthma + Lung UK Scotland is warning that children heading back to school could be at risk of a potentially life-threatening asthma attack. Analysis by the charity reveals a sharp spike in emergency asthma admissions for children when Scottish schools returned last year.
Hospital admissions more than double
The number of children rushed to hospital with asthma symptoms in September 2025 was more than twice that in July 2025. The charity's most recent data shows 55 hospital admissions for school-aged children in July, 73 in August, and 146 in September.
Over the last five years, there have been 1,138 children admitted to hospital in an emergency for asthma in August and September. The charity is concerned that admissions may increase again this August and September as children return to school.
Why does this happen?
The increase in hospital admissions can be explained by the disruption of preventer inhaler routines over the school holidays, leading to children's airways becoming more sensitive to asthma triggers when they go back to school. According to the charity's annual survey of people with lung conditions, these triggers often include viruses, colds, and dust.
Government and charity response
Public Health Minister Maree Todd said: “We welcome Asthma + Lung UK Scotland’s campaign work to raise awareness and help ensure children with asthma get the support they need to stay safe and well at school.”
She added that Scotland’s National Severe Asthma Pathway, introduced earlier this year, is helping to improve the early identification and management of severe asthma across NHS Scotland. The Scottish Government has also issued guidance to schools, education authorities, and health boards on the use of reliever inhalers in an emergency. Schools have discretionary powers to buy and hold spare salbutamol inhaler devices without a prescription for emergency use when a pupil's own device is not available.
Joseph Carter, Head of Asthma + Lung UK Scotland, said: “When children go back to school after the summer holidays, a rise in the number of asthma attacks is often seen, unfortunately leading to more hospital visits. An increase in viruses, coughs and colds or dust mites in schools could be to blame.”
Carter urged parents and teachers to look out for signs that a child's asthma may be worsening, such as breathlessness, wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness, and to take urgent action if these occur. He also encouraged schools to download the charity's free Asthma at School poster to be prepared for the new term.
For concerns about a child's asthma, Asthma + Lung UK's helpline is available at 0300 222 5800.
