The number of emergency hospital admissions involving children with asthma is expected to jump in September.

According to the Asthma Society of Ireland (ASI), the most recent figures available show that in 2013, hospital admissions for children aged between five and nine years jumped from 10 in August to 88 in September - an increases of 780%.

Hospital admissions for children aged between five and 14 years rose from 19 in August 2013 to 116 the following month - a jump of 511%.

Asthma is the most common chronic condition seen in children, with one in five Irish children affected. The ASI is calling on parents and teachers to watch out for potential triggers at this time of year.

"Back-to-school time can be an exciting, and often stressful, time for many children. A change of environment, coupled with exposure to colds and viruses, means that children are exposed to more asthma triggers," explained ASI chief executive, Sharon Cosgrove.

However, she emphasised that asthma is a ‘very controllable condition', and that many emergency situations that arise could have been avoided if the correct support systems were in place.

"Asthma affects one in five children so every classroom will have at least one child with asthma. As with all chronic illnesses, education is critical and families need support to help them manage asthma at home and at school," Ms Cosgrove noted.

To help combat the expected spike in emergency admissions during the month of September, the ASI is providing a back-to-school checklist for parents:
-Schedule an asthma review for your child before school starts to ensure their asthma action plan is updated, or one is put in place if they do not have one
-Talk to the school and your child's teacher so that they are aware of your child's condition and what to so if an attack occurs
-Make sure your child always has access to their medications when in school. They should have their reliever inhaler with them at all times, and a spare one should also be left in school. If possible, the school should have a spare spacer as well
-Contact the ASI for advice. A booklet on managing asthma in school is available and the ASI Adviceline can also offer specific, tailored advice.

For more information on managing asthma in school, click here or call 1850 44 54 64.