The local NHS is backing a campaign to make asthma care more effective for children and young people across Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West.

#AskAboutAsthma promotes ways to help young patients better manage their condition by having up-to-date asthma action plans and regular reviews with their GP or asthma nurse.

The campaign is being organised by the Healthy London Partnership and the NHS and runs from 3 to 9 October 2022.

Dr Amar Latif, Interim Clinical Lead for the Respiratory Clinical Network at Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board (BOB ICB), and a local GP, said: “Our priority is to ensure patients with asthma including children and young people can manage their condition to keep them well and healthy.

“One of the best ways to look after your child’s asthma is to have an action plan showing which symptoms to look out for and how to deal with them if they worsen, and what actions to take if a child has an asthma attack. A GP or asthma nurse can check the plan is up to date and appropriate for your child.”

Dr Latif said: “Children should also have an asthma review which involves an annual check-up with their GP or asthma nurse or following an asthma attack. It’s an opportunity for parents to talk to their doctor or nurse about their child’s asthma symptoms, triggers and medicines, and to get advice about good inhaler techniques to ensure their child receives the full benefit of their medication.

“Air pollution also acts as a trigger for many children and young people with asthma so they should try and avoid busy built-up areas with lots of cars including pollution hotspots like main roads, junctions, bus stations and car parks.”

Webinar: This year, the campaign is hosting a free interactive webinar for children, young people and their families and people working with young asthma patients. The event now takes place on Monday 3 October (12.30pm to 1.30pm) and is led by a panel of experts answering questions on asthma with a focus on health inequalities. People can take part by registering see here or at: https://www.events.england.nhs.uk/events/askaboutasthma-ask-the-expert-webinar    (Please note: NHS England has confirmed that all existing registrations will be moved to the new date of 3 October so people do not need to re-register)

Further information on developing an effective asthma plan for children and young people can be found see here or visit: https://www.asthma.org.uk/advice/child/manage/action-plan/

and on getting the best from your child’s asthma review see here or visit: https://www.asthma.org.uk/advice/child/manage/review/