Sydney, Jan 30: As children across Australia prepare to return to school, Asthma Australia is urging parents to update their child’s Asthma Action Plan, emphasizing its importance alongside other back-to-school essentials like hats and uniforms.
Kate Miranda, CEO of Asthma Australia, stressed the need for an up-to-date action plan, comparing it to sun protection.
“Sending your child back to school without an updated written Asthma Action Plan is just like sending them to play in the sun without a hat on. They are exposed. It’s one of those small but important steps to keep them protected—whether it’s from the sun’s rays or unexpected asthma flare-ups,” Miranda said.
Asthma remains a significant health concern among Australian children.
In 2014-15, 42 percent of children aged 0–14 with asthma had to take time off school due to the condition.
More recently, in 2021-22, 26,500 children under 15 visited emergency departments for asthma-related issues.
An Asthma Action Plan, created by a doctor, provides clear steps for managing asthma daily, recognizing early symptoms, and responding to emergencies.
Despite its importance, only two-thirds of children with asthma have one.
“The goal of the Asthma Action Plan is to prevent and control asthma symptoms.
Even if you know what to do when your child’s asthma flares up, it’s invaluable to have clear, written instructions from your doctor, especially in an emergency situation,” Miranda explained.
To help parents ensure their child’s asthma is well-managed at school, Asthma Australia has developed a back-to-school checklist that includes booking an asthma review, updating the Asthma Action Plan, checking medications, and informing school staff about the child’s condition.
With approximately 386,000 Australian children living with asthma—an average of two per classroom—it remains one of the leading causes of disease burden in children under 15.
Ensuring that every child with asthma has an Asthma Action Plan can help reduce health risks and the impact on families and schools.
Parents can visit Asthma Australia’s website to download an Asthma Action Plan template and access additional resources.
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