|
This newsletter is for everyone working with children and adults in Waltham Forest.
Please share with your colleagues and encourage them to sign up to get it regularly.
This Spotlight marks asthma awareness, in support of World Asthma Day on May 3.
Asthma is one of the most common medical conditions for children. Data
shows that there are 16,268 Waltham Forest residents with a diagnosis of asthma. 1,851 of these are young people aged between 10- and 18-years-old. Approximately 10 people per
year die in Waltham Forest every year from asthma, which is above the national
benchmark.
Asthma is a common lung condition that causes occasional breathing difficulties.
It affects people of all ages and often starts in childhood, although it can also develop for the first time in adults.
There is currently no cure, but there are simple treatments that can help keep the symptoms under control so it does not have a big impact on an individual's life.
The main symptoms of asthma are:
- A whistling sound when breathing (wheezing)
- Breathlessness
- A tight chest, which may feel like a band is tightening around it
- Coughing
The symptoms can sometimes get temporarily worse. This is known as an asthma attack.
Treatments for asthma:
Asthma is usually treated by using an inhaler, a small device that lets you breathe in medicines. Some people also need to take tablets.
Causes and triggers of asthma:
Asthma is caused by swelling (inflammation) of the breathing tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs. This makes the tubes highly sensitive, so they temporarily narrow. It may happen randomly or after exposure to a trigger. Common asthma triggers include:
- Allergies (to house dust mites, animal fur or pollen, for example)
- Smoke, pollution and cold air
- Exercise
- Infections like colds or flu
How long does asthma last for?
Asthma is a long-term condition for many people, particularly if it develops in adulthood. In children, asthma sometimes goes away or improves during the teenage years, but can come back later in life.
The symptoms can usually be controlled with treatment. Most people will have normal, active lives, although some people with more severe asthma may have ongoing problems.
It is important to recognise the severity of this illness and the importance of being curious or asking the second question, because in some cases, it could be life-threatening. This was evident in Kahlsa's circumstances, as details from the Child Safeguarding Practice Review (CSPR) into his case reveal.
In October 2019, a young 14-year-old died at North Middlesex Hospital following an acute asthma episode.
His death was subject to a CSPR into the health and care system in Waltham Forest, with the aim of learning lessons and the challenge of improving pathways and services to make children safer.
The pseudonym Khalsa was chosen by his father, in recognition of his cultural heritage, his identity and strong commitment to his Sikh faith.
Khalsa's mother died when he was seven-years-old, and his father tried to do the best for him and his siblings. The family were understandably devastated by her death, facing a huge transition in their lives, and many medical appointments related to Khalsa's asthma were cancelled or rescheduled.
Khalsa often presented as “well” which meant that some people involved with him may
have underestimated the severity of his illness. This ‘over optimism of wellness’ created a contradiction for professionals about the possible risks to Khalsa within the safeguarding context. His asthma was said to be “managed”.
He also experienced episodes of significant incidents which resulted in emergency medical
services being called on three occasions prior to his death. On the third occasion, ambulance and hospital staff were unable to revive him and he was pronounced dead on 12 October 2019 with the cause of death given as respiratory arrest due to asthma.
Recommendations were made following his death, which can be read by following the button below.
Appropriate asthma care is necessary for the child’s immediate safety, long-term wellbeing and optimal academic performance.
While some older children may be fully independent with their condition, younger children, children with learning difficulties or those newly diagnosed are likely to need support and assistance from school staff during the school day, to help them manage their asthma in the absence of their parents.
A London school guide for the care of children and young people with asthma has been developed to enable schools to manage children and young people with asthma effectively in a school setting.
In addition, a pharmacy guide on supply of salbutamol inhalers to schools is available which provides advice to pharmacies and schools on how schools can obtain inhalers for emergency situations - an Asthma UK survey found that 86 per cent of children with asthma have at some time been without an inhaler at school, having forgotten, lost or broken it, or the inhaler having run out.
Professionals who work with children and young people are invited to review the following guidance as matter of priority.
Many people with long-term health conditions such as asthma experience feelings of stress, anxiety and depression.
Patient organisations have local groups where patients can meet people who have been diagnosed with asthma and have undergone treatment.
Book home fire safety visit for vulnerable residents
London Fire Brigade triage referrals 24 hours a day and categorise them from very high risk category, which receive a four-hour response, and high risk category referrals receiving a four-day response.
Please call 24/7 phone number to refer residents in need of a home fire safety visit: 0800 028 4428.
|
This newsletter is brought to you by the Strategic Partnership Boards, which is made up of Waltham Forest Safeguarding Children’s Board, Safeguarding Adults Board, Health & Wellbeing Board and SafetyNet (our Community Safety Partnership).
|
