A new survey from the Asthma Society of Ireland has revealed the significant impact asthma is having on children and families across Ireland — including the role that cost is playing in access to essential medication.
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May 5, 2026
The findings, published to mark World Asthma Day, show that more than one in three children with asthma have been hospitalised in the past year, with 14% hospitalised at least twice.
Worryingly, one in ten parents reported that their child went without asthma medication in the past three months due to financial constraints.
Dublin Football Manager and Asthma Awareness Week Ambassador, Ger Brennan, Asthma Society CEO Eilís Ní Chaithnía, Medical Director Prof Marcus Butler, and patient ambassadors Maya and Yoshi
The impact of asthma on children and families
The survey highlights the ongoing challenges many families face in managing childhood asthma:
- 61% of children were woken at night by symptoms such as coughing, wheezing or breathlessness
- Over half had to limit or stop physical activity due to asthma
- 41% missed at least one week of school in the past year
Night-time waking and reduced activity are key indicators that asthma may not be well controlled.
The impact extends beyond the child, with nearly half of parents missing work to care for their child, and over 80% worrying about their child having an asthma attack.
Call for action on access to treatment
To mark World Asthma Day and the start of Asthma Awareness Week, the Asthma Society of Ireland is calling on Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, Minister for Health, to make MART (Maintenance and Reliever Therapy) inhalers free for children aged 12–17.
MART inhalers are recognised as the preferred treatment for many people with asthma and can help improve control, reduce flare-ups, and prevent hospital admissions.
Asthma Society of Ireland CEO Eilís Ní Chaithnía said:
“No family should be navigating this alone. Asthma is a changeable and often unpredictable disease. Children with asthma should be able to sleep well, go to school, play sports and thrive. But they also need access to the right treatment at the right time, and, for too many families across Ireland, cost is getting in the way.”
She added:
“Making MART inhalers free for children aged 12 to 17 years would help prevent attacks, reduce hospital admissions, and allow more children to enjoy their childhood to the fullest.”
Real stories behind the statistics
The findings reflect the real experiences of families across Ireland.
Maya (10) was rushed to hospital with a life-threatening asthma attack before she had been diagnosed. After her recovery, her mum Patrycja contacted the Asthma Society’s Adviceline.
“It’s been a lifeline. Knowing I can speak to a nurse anytime gives me peace of mind.”
Aodhan, whose young son has experienced severe asthma flare-ups, also highlighted the importance of support between medical appointments:
“It’s incredibly reassuring to be able to call the Asthma Adviceline and have a specialist you can talk to, for free, whenever you need it.”
The importance of early intervention
Marcus Butler, Consultant Respiratory Physician at UCD and St Vincent’s Hospital Group, emphasised the importance of early diagnosis and management:
“When asthma is picked up early and managed well, children generally do extremely well. The right treatment plan, a personalised Asthma Action Plan and regular reviews can make an enormous difference.”
He added that if asthma is affecting sleep, school or daily life, it may be uncontrolled and should be reviewed, and that any child hospitalised with asthma should receive follow-up care and a written Asthma Action Plan.
Support for families
We provide a range of free supports for people living with asthma:
- Asthma Adviceline: 1800 44 54 64
- Free webinar (8 May): Supporting children with asthma
- Childhood Asthma Resource Hub
If a child is experiencing severe symptoms — such as difficulty breathing, struggling to speak, or blue lips — call 999 or 112 immediately.
Asthma Awareness Week runs from 4–10 May 2026, highlighting the importance of early intervention, effective management, and access to the right treatment for every child with asthma.
Our 2026 Asthma Awareness Week campaign is kindly supported by ALK and GSK.