Spike in hospital admissions for children with asthma

A spike is expected in emergency hospital admissions for children with asthma next month.

However, the Asthma Society of Ireland is hoping to reduce such hospitalisations by offering free back to school management clinics for parents and teachers.

Hospital admissions for children suffering with asthma aged between five and 14 rose from 41 admissions in August to 143 in September in 2012 — a 249% increase, latest figures show.

The figures from Hospital In-Patient Enquiry Scheme also show that in 2012, the average length of hospital stays increased by 51%; from 1.41 days in August to 2.14 days in September.

Asthma is the most common chronic illness in Ireland and affects one in five children.

The autumn and winter months pose a risk to children with asthma as colds and flu are more common.

In a bid to reduce hospital admissions, the society is hosting a series of free asthma management clinics at town centres nationwide, with dedicated visits to primary schools, from 15-26 September.

The society is also warning parents and teachers to be vigilant for asthma triggers at this dangerous time of year and is urging all guardians of children with asthma to put an asthma management plan in place both at home and at school.

Frances Guiney, Asthma Nurse Specialist with the society, said September was clearly a dangerous time for children with asthma, with significant spikes in hospital admissions.

The society’s own research shows that children miss 10 days of school each year due to asthma.

“Asthma is a very controllable condition, and many of these emergency situations can be avoided with the right support systems in place,” she said.

For advice or support on asthma, or for further information about the asthma clinics, visit