Asthma is a treatable health condition and although there is no cure, with good management people with asthma can lead normal, active lives.

Asthma is a medical condition that affects the airways (the breathing tubes that carry air into our lungs). From time to time, people with asthma find it harder to breathe in and out, because the airways in their lungs become narrower – like trying to breathe through a thin straw. At other times their breathing is normal.

There is no cure for asthma, but it can usually be well controlled. Most people with asthma can stay active and have a healthy life.

For good control of asthma, you need:

• medicines – taken the right way, at the right time

• regular medical visits for check-ups and to learn more about living with asthma

• an action plan, so you know exactly what to do when symptoms happen.

What are the most common symptoms of asthma?

• wheezing – a high-pitched sound coming from the chest while breathing

• a feeling of not being able to get enough air or being short of breath

• a feeling of tightness in the chest

• coughing.

You don’t have to have all these symptoms to have asthma.

Asthma symptoms can be triggered by different things for different people. Common triggers include exercise, cigarette smoke, colds and flu, and allergens in the air (e.g. grass pollen).

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The key to living with asthma is keeping it under control. This means learning about what causes symptoms, how to avoid triggers and to use medications correctly.

It is important that your child sees their doctor for regular check-ups so you can work together to monitor and control your child's asthma. This should be done at least every 12 - 18 months.

It is also important to know the details about your child's asthma symptoms and triggers, as well as any medication they require. Please organise a time to speak to the nurse or email details of their asthma management through to be added to your child's file. This will ensure that the staff at NMPS can give your child the most appropriate, tailored management in the event of a flare up or asthma episode.

The school nurse will notify you when plans are due to be reviewed and when your any medication stored for your child is nearing its expiry.