A Co Down mum whose daughter suffers from severe asthma is backing a new campaign to raise awareness of the condition in Northern Ireland schools.
Tracey Kennedy’s little girl Holly (5) is hospitalised at least four times a year as a result of her severe asthma.
She is now urging all schools to get involved in a new Asthma at School campaign from Asthma + Lung UK Northern Ireland, saying it could potentially be a lifesaver for children.
Holly attends St Caolan’s Primary in Darragh Cross outside Saintfield. Ms Kennedy said she has already visited the school to make staff aware of the signs that her daughter may be on the verge of an attack – with one incident already prevented thanks to her input and the quick thinking of teachers.
She said: “It happened just as the school day was ending, and I was already outside, so I was able to rush in and help right away. But parents won’t always be around.
“There may be children in schools who do have asthma, but Holly’s is a very serious form and can be life-threatening. Children die from it and that’s perhaps something not everyone realises.
“I was anxious about Holly starting school. Her childminder had been a nurse and knew what to look out for. I was always confident she was in safe hands, but going to school was a new challenge for us.
“I did visit the school and they were very receptive about the extra needs Holly might have. Thankfully, when she did have an attack, they acted quickly, but that won’t be the case everywhere. I want to do something to make sure all schools are aware of the potential risks.
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“Holly is the sort of child who will tell you she’s okay, but sometimes she isn’t. Attacks can come on very quickly. I wanted the school to know exactly what signs to look out for. They took on all the information, so when the worst did happen, they were ready for it.
“It’s a very scary thing to watch your child struggle for breath, and not all asthma is the same. Schools need to have an understanding that it can be an awful lot more than just an inconvenience.”
Asthma is the most common long-term medical condition in children here, affecting around 36,000 youngsters.
Ms Kennedy said this time of year can be particularly difficult.
“This is when the dangers are at their peak,” she explained.
“I know from my own experience with Holly that she can go downhill very fast and it’s so important to act quickly. I would love to see all schools receive specific training in how to deal with asthma attacks.
“Watching a child fight for breath can be a very frightening situation for staff, and for the other children if they witness it.”
The autumn term is responsible for 37% of childhood asthma admissions throughout the year and admissions to hospital triple in September and October.
In 2023/24, 411 children in Northern Ireland ended up in hospital requiring emergency care because of asthma.
Ms Kennedy said: “We’ve been very close to intensive care a few times with Holly. Her asthma is very unpredictable. It would give other parents like me some reassurance if staff in all schools received some formal training in what to expect and how to respond.”
The Asthma at School campaign will be launched at St Caolan’s Primary today where schools will be encouraged to take part in improving the care of pupils with the condition.
Schools can get involved by downloading and displaying a new poster which includes vital health advice on what to do if a child has an asthma attack and when to call 999.
Joseph Carter, head of Asthma + Lung UK Northern Ireland, said: “Common signs that a child might be at risk of an asthma attack include increased coughing, especially when doing activities, wheezing, and a tight chest.
“But symptoms vary, which is why it’s important that all caregivers including teachers, as well as parents, are familiar with a child’s individual triggers and red flags. These can be shared via the school asthma card which can be downloaded from our website.”
Education Minister Paul Givan said: “I am pleased to support the Asthma + Lung UK Northern Ireland campaign, aimed at schools to help spot first signs of an asthma attack and what to do in an emergency.
“I fully recognise the importance of improving the care of pupils with asthma. I urge schools to get involved, as the campaign provides essential health advice and helps to raise awareness of what to do if a child or young person has an asthma attack.”