September is one of the riskiest times of the year for people with asthma, particularly children, the Asthma Society of Ireland has warned.

According to the society, asthma-related hospital visits and admissions tend to spike significantly during this month due to what is known as the ‘September Asthma Peak'.

"Every September I see a notable increase in the number of children admitted with respiratory conditions. In the past 24 hours, one-third of the children admitted to my hospital were admitted with respiratory problems caused by viral infections at this time of the year. It is very common in September.

"The September Asthma Peak is caused mainly by viral infections and is particularly dangerous for children with asthma who have slipped out of their asthma management routine over the summer months. These children are particularly at risk of their asthma leading to a hospital visit," explained asthma consultant, Dr Muhammed Tariq.

However, the society empahsised that there are practical steps that can be taken to reduce the chance that your child will require hospital care.

Parents should refer to the Asthma Society's September Survival Guide, which can be downloaded here. It sets out the steps parents can take to help avoid hospital admissions. Parents should also then follow up with the Asthma Society's Adviceline nurses who will talk them through every step of the guide in more detail," commented the society's CEO, Sarah O'Connor.

The society plans to launch additional school supports later in the year to help both teachers and parents to manage their child's asthma.

In the meantime, if you would like to speak to a respiratory nurse, you can call the society's Adviceline to make a phone appointment. Call 1800 44 54 64.

For more information on the Asthma Society, click here.