Back-to-school signals asthma season

NEW YORK , Sept. 1 (UPI) -- Asthma hospitalization rates can more than triple between August and September, a New York City health department expert says.

"Children with asthma can encounter more asthma triggers in the fall," Lorna Davis-Robinson, director of the health department's asthma initiative, says in a statement. "To avoid letting asthma cause illness and unnecessary school absence, parents should consult with their child's healthcare provider now. The right treatment can help ensure that your child has the healthiest possible school year."

The child's doctor should write an action plan to help manage the condition, specifying medications and other steps needed to prevent and treat symptoms. Every school-age child with asthma also should have a medication administration form completed by a doctor. The form allows the child to take asthma medications at school when necessary. Parents need to maintain an adequate supply of medications and request a flu shot for the child.

Parents can help prevent asthma episodes by guarding against infections through good hand-washing habits, keeping the home smoke-free and using an air conditioner when pollen or pollution is bad. Parents should also be aware roaches are a common asthma trigger, Davis-Robinson says.