Did you know there is a rise in asthma attacks in September when students go back to school after their summer holidays?
In preparation, CYPHP has been putting up our Week 38 poster, and asking other professionals to print and place the poster in community spaces (click here to download the poster). In doing so, together we can help children and young people better manage their asthma, and make Week 38 less of a problem this year!
So what is Week 38?
Week 38 is a national phenomenon where there is a peak in Emergency Department attendances and hospital admissions for asthma. At the Children & Young People’s Health Partnership (CYPHP) we are trying to help children and young people combat this.
Some of the reasons that might be behind this spike include:
- Being out of their daily school routine.
- Some feel better during the summer months so don’t feel like they need their medication.
- Children, young people and their families don’t always fully understand their asthma action plan, and are not aware of their triggers.
We know from the National Review of Asthma Deaths review in 2014 that this is a major concern.
To help with this, we are reminding people to do three simple things:
1. Know your Asthma Action Plan
Make sure you know what to do in an emergency.
2. Take your Preventer
Continue to take your preventer inhaler every day, even if you feel well.
3. Manage your triggers
It is important to know what makes your asthma worse.
As part of raising awareness and sharing the three top tips, CYPHP has been sharing our poster with School Nurses, GP Practices in Lambeth and Southwark, our colleagues in hospital asthma teams, and have placed them along with flyers in all our clinic venues. In order to support more families, you are also welcome to download the poster and place it communal areas.
To read more of the latest news from CYPHP, please click here.