Parents of children with asthma are urged to be ready to treat their conditions, including having their inhalers on hand.

Open Airways said that while students might be excited to return to school, close contact with large groups helped viruses to spread.

It warned that globally, the start of the school year is known to bring a sharp rise in the number of asthma attacks and emergency room visits — a scenario known as the “September peak”.

The charity, dedicated to the more than 8,000 people on the island with asthma and other breathing issues, said the rise in cases usually occurred in the second and third weeks after school reopens.

“Classrooms have been closed during the summer break, providing lots of triggers for students with asthma and allergies.

“Though it is great to be back with classmates, close contact with large groups helps viruses to thrive.”

The charity said during the summer holidays, children with asthma might not have used their preventive inhaler.

“Now is the time to ensure they are using their preventer inhalers daily or as prescribed. It can take two weeks of daily use, to provide good protection against severe attacks,” the charity advised.

“Each child should always have a reliever inhaler such as Ventolin and a spacer available for emergencies, either in the school bag or held by the teacher for younger students.”

The inhalers should be labelled, with the child along with his or her teacher versed in how and when to use them.

Open Airways said some students might use inhalers which did not require a spacer.

“Some may be prescribed combination inhalers that have both preventer and reliever in them.

“Be sure to check with the pharmacist that you have all the equipment needed and ask them to demonstrate or check the technique,” it said.

The charity said the Global Initiative for Asthma organisation wanted the term of “mild” asthma to be removed from medical vocabulary.

It said 25 per cent of deaths and hospital admissions were in patients who had not experienced a flare-up in more than three months.

It added: “Saying asthma is mild encourages patients and parents to relax and perhaps omit preventive inhalers, perhaps forget to take pumps to school, and perhaps forget to renew their prescription.”

The charity said families should draw up an “asthma action plan”, which should be reviewed with a physician, with a copy provided to the child’s school.

Open Airways also advised parents to add their child to the confidential Bermuda Student Asthma Registry.

“Make sure to add your child to this registry so that asthma specialists as well as your child’s teacher will know the nature and severity of your child’s asthma and be able to prioritise assistance.”

It said the seasonal flu vaccine was recommended for all children with asthma.

“Ensure your child’s immunisation are up to date and check their Covid, pertussis and RSV are up to date.

“Encourage your child to eat a healthy diet and get plenty of fresh air and exercise and wash their hands frequently.”

• For questions, or to book an appointment, contact Lindsay Bishop at Open Airways on nurse@openairways.com or call 536-6060.