Ask About Asthma 2024

This year’s campaign week takes place from 9-15 September 2024

NHS England – London’s #AskAboutAsthma campaign returns in September for its eighth year to raise awareness around childhood asthma and how to manage it.

#AskAboutAsthma highlights the simple changes to children and young people’s care that will make a big difference to how they experience their asthma. Led by NHS England – London’s Babies, Children and Young People programme, the aim is for every person involved in the care of a child or young person with asthma – from GPs and nurses to parents/carers, teachers and youth group leaders – to know about the four asks that can help every person to manage their condition and live full, active lives.

#AskAboutAsthma campaign aims

As part of the #AskAboutAsthma campaign, we want everyone involved in the care of children and young people with asthma to be even more prepared for week 38 – the week where nationally there is a rise in asthma attacks following the return to school after the summer holidays. By sharing learning, resources and key information, we can help even more children and young people to ask about asthma and get the right care in place.

Campaign theme

This year’s theme is focusing on helping children and young people with asthma to live their best lives. Asthma should not limit children and young people’s lives in any way and good asthma control means having no symptoms.

Children and young people with asthma should be supported to manage their condition in all areas of their lives – at home, school/college, and in the community.

Following the 4 asks can help children and young people to live their best lives.

1. Get an asthma action plan in place

A written asthma action plan drawn up between a clinician and patient means people are four times less likely to have to go to hospital for their asthma.

2. Understand how to use inhalers correctly

Less than three-quarters of children and young people have any form of instruction in how to use their inhaler. Poor inhaler technique means patients don’t get the full benefit of their asthma medication.

3. Schedule an asthma review – every year and after every attack

An asthma review by an appropriately trained clinician after every attack helps to work out what went wrong. An annual review ensures effective management of the condition.

4. Consider air quality and its impact on lung health

We want to ensure that every asthma conversation considers the impact of outdoor and indoor air pollution on children and young people’s asthma.

You can find out more about the impact of poor air quality on children and how we are working to improve our air quality in north central London on our Asthma and Air Quality page here.

More information about the national Ask About Asthma campaign is available on the national Ask About Asthma campaign page.