Analysis by Asthma + Lung UK Scotland reveals there was a sharp spike in the number of asthma emergency admissions for children when Scottish kids went back to school last year.
As children prepare to head back to the classroom, Asthma + Lung UK Scotland warns many could be at risk of having a potentially life-threatening asthma attack.
Analysis by Asthma + Lung UK Scotland reveals there was a sharp spike in the number of asthma emergency admissions for children when Scottish kids went back to school last year.
The number of children rushed to hospital with asthma symptoms in September 2025 was more than twice that in July 2025.
Now the charity is concerned asthma hospital admissions for children in Scotland may increase again in August and September this year, as children return to school.
Asthma + Lung UK Scotland’s most recent data from 2025 shows there were 55 hospital admissions for school-aged children in July, 73 in August and 146 in September.
In the last five years there have been 1,138 children admitted to hospital in an emergency for asthma in August and September.
This increase in hospital admissions can be explained by the disruption of preventer inhaler routines over school holidays, leading to children’s airways becoming more sensitive to asthma triggers when they go back to school.
According to the charity’s annual survey of people with lung conditions these triggers often include viruses, colds and dust.
Public Health Minister Maree Todd said: “We welcome Asthma + Lung UK Scotland’s campaign work to raise awareness and help ensure children with asthma get the support they need to stay safe and well at school.
“Alongside this, Scotland’s National Severe Asthma Pathway, introduced earlier this year, is helping to improve the early identification and management of severe asthma across NHS Scotland.
“The Scottish Government has also issued guidance to schools, education authorities and health boards on the use of reliever inhalers in an emergency.
“Schools have discretionary powers to buy and hold spare salbutamol inhaler devices, without the need for a prescription, to use in emergency situations when a pupil’s own device is not available.”
Joseph Carter, Head of Asthma + Lung UK Scotland, added: “When children go back to school after the summer holidays, a rise in the number of asthma attacks is often seen, unfortunately leading to more hospital visits. An increase in viruses, coughs and colds or dust mites in schools could be to blame.
“With this in mind, Asthma + Lung UK Scotland is asking parents and teachers to look out for signs that their child or pupil’s asthma may be worsening. This could be breathlessness, wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and if it is, to take urgent action.
“Over the hectic summer holidays, preventer inhaler routines can sometimes slip, which can leave children much more vulnerable to an asthma attack when they return to school and are around more triggers.
“As a reminder too for schools, we would encourage them to download our fantastic free Asthma at School poster, so they are prepared for the new term and know what to do if a pupil does have an asthma attack.”
If you are concerned about your child’s asthma, please call Asthma + Lung UK’s helpline, which is run with thanks to funds raised by players of the Postcode Lottery. The number to call is 0300 222 5800.
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