A significant number of children with asthma in Ireland had to attend emergency departments (ED) or out-of-hour GPs last year as a result of the condition, new research has revealed.

According to the findings from the Asthma Society of Ireland (ASI), almost one in eight children with asthma had to be brought to EDs last year, while one in four had to attend out-of-hour GPs as a result of worsening symptoms.

The survey, which was carried out among 750 parents, found that almost four in 10 parents did not know what an asthma management plan was, while just one in seven had such a plan in place for their child.

"It is concerning that parents are so reliant on emergency treatment for their child's asthma. We want to assure parents that it is a very manageable condition, but simple steps must be taken to ensure that an asthma management plan is in place. Asthma management plans improve health outcomes for patients with asthma," said ASI chief executive, Sharon Cosgrove.

The research also revealed that while half of parents worried about how their child would manage their asthma at school, most had not arranged for an extra inhaler to be kept there. Furthermore, one in four parents had taken no action at all in relation to managing the condition at their child's school.

Only one-third of parents had met with their child's teacher to discuss asthma management and only 1% had arranged for an asthma nurse to speak to school staff about this issue, despite the fact that this service is offered free of charge by the ASI.

"Having safeguards in place at school in particular is very important for the management of asthma in children. We are urging parents to put a plan in place to cope with symptoms should asthma strike," Ms Cosgrove said.

The research was released to coincide with World Asthma Day (May 6). As part of this campaign, the ASI is offering free asthma management consultations in Boots pharmacies throughout the month of May.

"We are also inviting parents to join the society at asthma.ie. Membership is free and benefits include a range of support services to help you manage your child's asthma," Ms Cosgrove added.

For more information on asthma, call the ASI's Asthma Helpline on 1850 44 54 64 or see our Asthma Clinic here