The NHS in the East of England is supporting the annual NHS asthma campaign, to prevent acute asthma attacks and reduce hospital admissions among children and young people.

The campaign, which runs from 8-12 September 2025, aims to raise awareness of asthma and the dangers of it to children by providing information about the condition through digital channels and posters.

The campaign is linked to the key period after schools return from summer holidays, when hospital admissions for childhood asthma attacks reach their annual highest point.

Sue Arrowsmith, head of the NHS’s children and young people network in the East of England said today:

“Currently, one child dies every four weeks in England due to asthma, with many of these deaths being preventable.

“Our annual campaign highlights the simple changes to children and young people’s care that will make a big difference to how asthma affects their lives.

“We want to encourage children and young people, their families, and those involved in their care, to take some simple and effective measures to help them control their asthma and help save lives.”

The campaign focusses on the four essential measures people with asthma and their carers can take to improve asthma management:

• Have an asthma action plan in place: Children with personalised asthma action plans are four times less likely to have an asthma attack requiring emergency hospital treatment.
• Understand how to use inhalers correctly: Proper inhaler technique ensures medication reaches the lungs effectively rather than the back of the throat, leading to fewer emergency department visits.
• Hold regular asthma reviews: Annual reviews with healthcare professionals, plus additional reviews after every asthma attack, are crucial for ongoing care.
• Consider air quality impact: Both indoor pollution (smoke, vapour, sprays, damp, mould, dust mites) and external traffic-related pollution can trigger asthma attacks, with external air pollution contributing to four million new childhood asthma cases annually.

The campaign encourages widespread community participation by the NHS and its partner organisations in the East of England, with posters in community settings, #AskAboutAsthma material on social media, and shared educational resources including films, blogs, podcasts and presentations.

The nhs.uk website has comprehensive information, advice and support on asthma management for families.

Parents, carers, friends, teachers, youth group leaders and anyone who supports a child or young person with asthma is encouraged to undertake the Tier 1 Improving Asthma Care Together online training.

This is a free, 45 min online training resource designed to raise awareness, support better asthma control and provide guidance on what to do in the event of an asthma attack.

ENDS