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Asthma: School

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KEY POINTS

  • You want to feel that your child is safe at school and make sure that your child is not treated differently because of the asthma. Teach those who will be working with your child at school about asthma. Call the school to discuss the best way to inform everyone who needs to know, including teachers, the school nurse, bus driver, gym teacher, lunchroom workers, and others involved with your child at school.
  • Learn what things can trigger your child’s symptoms and teach your child how to avoid or manage them.
  • Make sure your child knows how to use inhalers correctly and takes medicines exactly as prescribed. Your child should keep a rescue inhaler with him or her at all times in case your child has an asthma attack.

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You may have a young child who is not old enough to manage his or her own asthma care. Or you may have an older child who still needs some guidance. Either way, you want to feel that your child is safe at school and make sure that your child is not treated differently because of the asthma. Following these guidelines will help your child have a safe and healthy year at school.

What do I need to tell the school?

Teach those who will be working with your child at school about asthma. Call the school to discuss the best way to inform everyone who needs to know, including teachers, the school nurse, bus driver, gym teacher, lunchroom workers, and others involved with your child at school. It’s usually best to do this in the week before classes start.

It’s important NOT to leave it up to your child to educate school staff. Your child may be self-conscious or embarrassed and not want to talk to people at school.

What supplies do I need to give the school?

State and federal laws require that schools keep information about your child’s care that may include these forms and others:

  • An Asthma Action Plan with your child’s photo
  • An Individualized Healthcare Plan (IHP) with your child’s photo
  • An Emergency Response Plan that outlines what to do in case of an emergency
  • Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
  • A Section 504 Plan

Your child should carry an ID card or wear a medical ID bracelet or necklace every day.

How does my child get medicine at school?

Some older students can carry rescue inhalers with them at all times. Teachers, coaches, school nurses, and administrators can help by reminding the student to take asthma medicine between classes or activities, or remind the student to go check with the school nurse or office staff.

What else should I do?

  • Check with school administrators to learn about school air quality. Classrooms, areas around the school, buses, and sporting events should be smoke-free. Furnace and air conditioning air filters should be changed regularly. School staff should avoid using products with strong odors when children may be exposed, including cleaning chemicals, bug sprays, perfume, and air fresheners.
  • Field days or field trips usually involve physical activity and exposure to possible asthma triggers such as animals, dust, or cockroaches. Make sure that everyone knows what steps to take while on a field trip or at an off-campus sports event.
  • It’s important for your child’s gym teacher or coach to have a copy of your child’s IHP and know what steps to take if your child has an asthma attack. Physical activity is as important for children with asthma as for other children. Make sure that your child doesn’t miss gym or sports activities.
  • Ask to have a copy of your child's IHP put in the substitute teacher's folder and the attendance register. Attach a picture of your child to the IHP so teachers will know which student has asthma.
  • Make sure your child knows how to use inhalers correctly and takes medicines exactly as prescribed. Your child should keep a rescue inhaler with him or her at all times in case your child has an asthma attack.
  • Learn what things can trigger your child’s symptoms and teach your child how to avoid or manage them. For example, at home, you may need to cover your child’s mattress, box springs, and pillows with zippered plastic covers. At school, your child may need to stay indoors during recess when the humidity or pollen count is high. Make sure that school grounds are a smoke-free zone.
  • Help prevent colds and flu. Colds and flu make asthma worse and often trigger episodes of asthma.
    • Try to avoid close contact with people who have a cold or the flu.
    • Teach your child to wash hands before eating and when exposed to others who may have a cold or the flu.
    • Stay up to date with the recommended immunizations (shots) for your child including flu and COVID-19. Ask your healthcare provider about any other vaccines your child or your family may need.
Developed by Change Healthcare.
Pediatric Advisor 2022.1 published by Change Healthcare.
Last modified: 2021-12-07
Last reviewed: 2021-06-15
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.
© 2022 Change Healthcare LLC and/or one of its subsidiaries
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