Beat the ‘back-to-school asthma spike’

An annual ‘back-to-school asthma spike’ occurs every February leaving children with asthma more vulnerable to asthma flare-ups in the month following the return to school.

Clinical Associate Professor Debbie Rigby, pharmacist and Clinical Executive Lead, National Asthma Council Australia (NAC), said right now is a great time to help avoid the spike and get children asthma-ready for the school year ahead.

“Every February there is a ‘back-to-school asthma spike’ that sees a sharp rise in children with asthma admitted to hospital.

“This can be due to a change of environment or allergens, sharing a new set of bugs with classmates, which can trigger colds and respiratory infections and possibly missing preventer doses over the holidays.

“The NAC conducted a major review of the Australian Asthma Handbook in 2025, including the most recent paediatric management recommendations, so it is even more important for children to have an asthma review to ensure they are on the correct medication and treatment plan.

“If symptoms are frequent, primary school aged children may need maintenance treatment with low-dose inhaled corticosteroids, in addition to salbutamol (blue puffer) as needed.

“Australian guidelines for asthma now recommend older children (12 years and over) should be using an anti-inflammatory reliever as needed for symptoms, with or without daily maintenance doses,” she said.

Clinical Associate Professor Rigby said it is also important for children with asthma to be vaccinated if possible before the start of the school year.

“If parents are unsure about getting their child with asthma vaccinated, then we encourage them to have a discussion with their GP or pharmacist.

“Have a full asthma check-up with your GP including a review of your child’s medications, Written Asthma Action Plan and inhaler technique.

“The last thing parents want is an asthma flare-up that might see their child end up in hospital or missing out on fun activities so good asthma control is key to a healthy and safe start to the school year,” she said.

The NAC has prepared the following checklist for a symptom free start to the school year:

• Set your child up for a safe and healthy school year – schedule their asthma check-up today with your health provider and discuss vaccinations for your child if you have questions
• Make sure your child is taking any asthma prevention medicine as prescribed
• Share a copy of your child’s up-to-date Written Asthma Action Plan with school staff, after-school carers and sporting coaches and talk to them about your child’s asthma symptoms
• Make sure your child knows to tell school staff when they have asthma symptoms
• Check that your child knows how to effectively use their inhaler by themselves (if old enough), or with help from school staff

Download the NAC’s Back to School Checklist.  More resources are available at nationalasthma.org.au including how-to video tutorials demonstrating the correct use of asthma medications.

For further information or an interview with a National Asthma Council Australia spokesperson, please contact:

Donna Le Page, Le Page PR

Mobile: 0429 825 703 or Email: [email protected]

The National Asthma Council Australia is a collaboration of four member organisations (APNA, ASCIA, PSA and RACGP) and the national trusted authority for asthma knowledge. We set and disseminate the standards for asthma care through our responsive and evidence-based asthma guidelines - the Australian Asthma Handbook and resources for primary health care professionals. Our Sensitive Choice program empowers consumers to identify asthma and allergy-aware products and services.