Figures reveal the number of hospital admissions of children with asthma in Calderdale

More than 100 children from Calderdale were admitted to hospital with asthma in 2016-17, according to the latest data from Public Health England.
Revealed: the number of hospital admissions of children with asthma in CalderdaleRevealed: the number of hospital admissions of children with asthma in Calderdale
Revealed: the number of hospital admissions of children with asthma in Calderdale

Figures reveal that from April 2016 to March 2017 the area had a rate of 235 asthma-related admissions for every 100,000 children, in line with five years earlier.

During the 12 months, 114 people under 19 were admitted to hospital - 82 boys and 32 girls.

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Read: Find out how your child's school performed in latest league tablesNationally, the rate of asthma-related admissions was 203 in every 100,000 children, up by 4.5 per cent in five years.

A charity fighting to stop asthma said these figures are "extremely distressing" and pointed to the lack of care, and complacency as the main reasons to blame.

Asthma is a common lung condition that can cause breathing difficulties.

It affects people of all ages and often starts in childhood, although it can also develop for the first time in adults.

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There's currently no cure, but there are simple treatments that can help keep the symptoms under control.

In England, the rate of asthma-related admissions in 2016-17 was 203 in every 100,000 children, 4.5 per cent higher than five years earlier.

Samantha Walker, director of research and policy at Asthma UK, said: “It is extremely distressing that the rate of children and teenagers admitted to hospital because of their asthma is on the rise.

Read: New flood warning for residents near Hebble Brook in Halifax"While the reasons for this rise are not entirely clear, a lack of basic care – including an asthma action plan, inhaler technique check and annual asthma review - could be to blame. We also know that a lack of understanding of the seriousness of asthma could also play a part.

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"We are urging the NHS to invest in frontline asthma services to give people with asthma the basic care they need to keep them out of hospital.

"Parents concerned about their children's asthma health should make sure their child takes their medicines, follows a written asthma action plan and attends an annual review with a GP or asthma nurse."

Boys are more likely to end up in hospital due to asthma than girls. The rates accross England show 234 admissions for every 100,000 boys compared to 170 for girls.

Asthma is caused by inflammation of the breathing tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs.

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Allergies, colds, smoking, exercise and even cold air are among the most common triggers of asthma attacks.

Asthma UK said there is not enough scientific evidence to suggest air pollution is linked to asthma despite anecdotal reports that it can trigger the condition.

According to NHS estimates, asthma attacks kill three people in the UK every day.