Asthma is a long-term lung condition.  People with asthma have sensitive airways in their lungs which react to triggers, causing a ‘flare-up’. In a flare-up, the muscles around the airway squeeze tight, the airways swell and become narrow and there is more mucus. These things make it harder to breathe.  

As we near cold and flu season people with Asthma can be hit particularly hard as symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing become exacerbated, and the risk of a flare-up increases – so it’s crucial to protect yourself by getting an annual flu vaccine. Children quite often miss days of school due to flare-up’s of their Asthma. Contact your schools School Health Nurse if you would like to discuss your child’s Asthma or require help with an Asthma Action Plan. 

Tina Ellis RN

School Health Nurse Program