SEPTEMBER is the busiest month for child asthma-related hospital admissions, both nationally and in East Lancashire.

According to figures by Asthma UK, the North West has the highest rate of child hospital admissions, although East Lancashire’s figures are down on last year.

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In the North West, the most recent data showed 4,717 children were admitted to hospital for their asthma last year.

According to East Lancashire Hospitals Trust, in the 12 months leading up to August 2015 there has been a reduction in the number of children being admitted.

Damien Riley, executive medical director at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “We do typically witness a rise in asthma admissions each September, and this is an effect seen nationally and in other countries too.

“Possible causes for this include the arrival of autumn weather and viruses associated with coughs and colds, with children returning to schools and catching respiratory infections from each other. This is because viral infections can trigger a worsening of a child’s asthma control.”

Celebrity Supernanny Jo Frost, who has joined Asthma UK as a celebrity ambassador, is calling for a Safer September to ensure children are taking their medicines correctly.

Mr Riley added: “We would encourage parents to make sure that if their child has asthma, a review is undertaken at their local GP practice by GP or nurse to make sure they are on the optimum medication, and for parents to make sure their children have access to inhalers at school if needed.”