A campaign has been launched to help parents and teachers in Cumnock and Doon Valley spot the warning signs before a child suffers an asthma attack.

The back to school campaign by charity Asthma UK aims to raise awareness of how spot an asthma attack before it happens and what to do.

Early signs include using a reliever inhaler, usually blue, three or more times a week and coughing or wheezing at night or in the morning.

South Scotland MSP and nurse Emma Harper – convenor of the Scottish Parliament’s Cross Party Group on Lung Health – is backing the campaign.

Ms Harper said: “Scotland has 368,000 people with asthma including 72,000 children, so I support Asthma UK’s campaign to raise awareness of back to school symptoms for our young people.

“A child’s symptoms are more likely to get worse days before a serious asthma attack. If your child has been puffing on their reliever inhaler more, has been coughing or wheezing at night and in the morning, has been breathless, or has complained of a sore stomach or chest, then you should try to arrange a same-day visit to your child’s GP before their condition escalates.

“If in doubt, you can phone Asthma UK’s nurses for advice on 0300 222 5800.”

For more information visit https://www.asthma.org.uk/back-to-school