Asthma sufferers enter toughest stretch

By Gillian Slade on September 6, 2018.

gslade@medicinehatnews.com  @MHNGillianSlade

September is peak asthma season according to Asthma Canada.

Air quality with a smoky atmosphere is one contributing factor, but for children it has a lot to do with going back to school, says Joel Liboiron, pharmacy manager at London Drugs.

Children are mingling more with other children and are no longer under the watchful eye of a parent when it comes to washing hands frequently and thoroughly. It puts them at risk for colds and viruses, which exacerbates asthma, said Liboiron. Asthma is a condition of the lungs and colds and viruses that become “chesty” exacerbates asthma symptoms.

“Even though ‘flu season’ is commonly known as a winter phenomenon, contagious viral infections are spread and shared just as much in September in schools,” said Liboiron.

The start of the school year is the perfect time to make sure you have a plan in place if your child has an asthma attack or severe allergic reaction at school, said Liboiron. Even if your child has not changed schools there may be a different teacher or different office staff. Talk to the teachers, office staff, school nurse, principal and the coach. They will be aware of symptoms to watch for.

“Physical activity can be a trigger for an asthma attack,” said Liboiron.

An allergy or asthma management plan should include a list of medications and how to access them when needed. There should be emergency contact numbers and instructions for those taking care of your child until you are there. Your child should fully understand the plan and know how to respond.

If they have severe allergies or asthma it may make sense to have an EpiPen or inhaler at school, another at home, and perhaps even one with the grandparents.

Liboiron suggests revisiting asthma medications to ensure they are the best medication for you or your child and that they are being used in the correct manner.

Start with a visit to your pharmacist unless you are already experiencing issues in which case a visit to your family doctor would be advisable, he said.

Someone may think they have their asthma controlled because their symptoms are gone after using an inhaler, said Liboiron.

“A pharmacist’s definition of asthma being in control is about not needing a rescue inhaler more than a couple times a week,” said Liboiron.

EpiPens, an epinephrine autoinjector for an acute allergic reaction/anaphylaxis, were in short supply for most of the summer with many on back order, said Liboiron. Currently there are a couple arriving daily and people on a waiting list are finally getting them.

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