The Department of Health is reminding parents to monitor their children’s asthma as the start of the school year approaches.

A spokeswoman for the department urged parents to ensure regular daily use of preventer inhalers, in case they have not been used regularly during the summer holidays.

“Don’t wait for symptoms,” the spokeswoman said. “Other tips for successful control of asthma symptoms include reviewing your child’s inhalers and their Asthma Action Plan with your child’s doctor. Remind your child to avoid triggers, and inform the school nurse about your child’s condition.”

The spokesman said that parents should schedule a check-up for their children, even if their children’s asthma is well controlled.

“Discuss the asthma action plan with your child’s doctor,” she said. “This can be shared with the school and school nurse to help with your child’s asthma care.

“Have the doctor review inhalers. Make sure you have a ‘preventer’ inhaler for ongoing control and a ‘reliever’ or ‘rescue’ inhaler to treat asthma attacks.

“Have the child’s doctor sign any forms from the school permitting them to carry and use their ‘reliever’ or ‘rescue’ inhalers while at school.”

The spokeswoman also said that it is important to teach children about asthma so they understand their triggers, symptoms and their action plan.

“Please check inhalers. Empty and expired inhalers can be a problem if your child has an attack at school,” she continued.

“Rescue or reliever inhalers and spacers need to be sent to school every day. Place them in a plastic zip-lock bag with your child’s name on it. Children should not share their inhalers or spacers.

“Establish a good routine. If your child has asthma triggers, such as dust or head colds among others, you should ensure regular daily use of their preventer inhaler before school starts.

“Getting this early protection on their airways will help reduce their asthma symptoms. Healthy habits such as eating well-balanced meals, drinking plenty of water, getting plenty of sleep at night, daily exercise and good personal hygiene are all important to asthma control.”