NHS Redditch and Bromsgrove are warning parents and carers to keep an eye on young asthma sufferers this winter.
According to NHS figures, one in 11 children has asthma and a child is admitted to hospital every 20 minutes because of an asthma attack.
Dr Richard Davies, interim chair and clinical lead for NHS Redditch and Bromsgrove Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “Hospital admissions for asthma traditionally peak during periods of particularly cold weather. This can be due to breathing cold air into the lungs which can in turn trigger asthma.
“Risks also increase as children with asthma pick up colds and flu which circulate more during the winter months.”
Cold weather is a major trigger for asthma symptoms but a few simple precautions can avoid a child being admitted to hospital.
Parents are advised to make sure their children have regular asthma reviews with a doctor or asthma nurse.
Dr Davies added: “Making sure children wrap up well and wear a scarf loosely over their nose and mouth – this will help to warm up the air before breathing it in and making sure your child has their inhaler with them and that they are using it in the correct way.”
If you or your child feels unwell, visit your pharmacist or call NHS 111. For more information on staying well this winter visit nhs.uk/staywell.
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