PARENTS and carers are being reminded to keep an eye out for youngsters with asthma when they are out in the cold weather during half term.

One in 11 children has asthma and it is the most common long-term medical condition. Children under the age of five account for the highest number of attendances to A&E.

Cold weather is a major trigger for asthma symptoms but a few simple precautions can avoid a child being admitted to hospital.

Dr Carl Ellson, Chief Clinical Officer for NHS South Worcestershire Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “Hospital admissions for asthma traditionally peak during periods of particularly cold weather. This can be due to breathing cold air into the lungs which can in turn trigger asthma.

“Risks also increase as children with asthma pick up colds and flu which circulate more during the winter months."

Tips on keeping asthma under control include making sure a child has a regular asthma review with a doctor or asthma nurse, taking regular preventer medicine when prescribed, and making sure children wrap up well and wear a scarf loosely over their nose and mouth.

If a child feels unwell they can visit a pharmacy or call NHS 111.

For more tips on staying well this winter visit nhs.uk/staywell.