Pediatric asthma seasonal health risks

Health organizations in Ireland, Scotland, and the United States are highlighting the seasonal risks associated with pediatric asthma.

In Ireland, the Asthma Society of Ireland conducted a webinar to educate parents on diagnosis, treatment, and emergency responses to reduce hospital visits. In Scotland, Asthma + Lung UK reported a sharp rise in pediatric hospital admissions during the transition back to school, noting that admissions in September can more than double those seen in July. Scottish officials have introduced guidance allowing schools to maintain spare emergency inhalers to manage these spikes.

Similarly, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America has issued warnings regarding an upcoming ‘Asthma Peak Season.’ Data from recent years suggests that pediatric emergency department visits typically surge in September and October due to school returns and increased exposure to respiratory infections like the flu, RSV, and COVID-19. Experts recommend maintaining up-to-date vaccinations and utilizing Asthma Action Plans to mitigate these seasonal risks.

Recent data from Great Britain underscores these risks, indicating that emergency admissions for children aged five to 16 can quadruple in September compared to August levels. In England, health inequalities are prominent; children from the most deprived areas account for 36% of emergency admissions, a rate three times higher than those from the least deprived areas. Furthermore, children from ethnic minority backgrounds represent nearly half of emergency admissions, despite comprising 27% of the relevant age population. In Wales, figures from 2023 to 2025 show average admissions rising from 24 in August to 96 in September. Medical officials advise maintaining daily preventer routines and ensuring reliever inhalers are accessible at school.