The number of asthma attacks could “surge” when children return to school, a charity has warned.

More than 100,000 children in England could have missed out on an asthma review due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to Asthma UK.

The charity warned that basic asthma care has been disrupted by the crisis, which could have severe consequences.

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And unless parents act now, asthma attacks could soar to “unprecedented levels” when children return to school, it warned.

The charity estimated that 133,800 children with asthma in England had missed out on their annual review.

Asthma checks, where a child’s inhaler technique is checked and their asthma action plan reviewed, can be carried out remotely, the charity said.

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It said the checks are essential to keep children well and out of hospital, and called on parents to take urgent action to book their child in with their GP.

September typically brings a surge in asthma attacks as children return to school, usually due to a number of factors including seasonal allergies and exposure to colds and viruses and cleaning products.

During the long summer break, some parents fall out of the habit of getting their children to regularly use their preventer inhaler, which can also make them more sensitive to triggers when they return to school, Asthma UK said.

The charity estimated that 71 per cent of children with asthma have not returned to school since March, which could mean they have been out of their usual habits for an even longer period.

It also called on parents to remember their usual asthma care and get back into good routines before their child goes back to school.

“Unless parents act now, asthma attacks could rise to unprecedented levels when children go back to school,” said Emma Rubach, head of health advice at Asthma UK.

“Children have already missed a lot of school because of the pandemic, so it’s vital that parents ensure they are prepared for their return to the classroom by making sure they take their preventer medicine every day.

“If their routine has slipped, it’s time to urgently get back to it - to avoid a hospital admission when term starts.

“The NHS is open for business and if your child’s annual asthma review has been cancelled then it’s important that you contact your GP surgery to reschedule it.”