Controlling Asthma At School

Controlling asthma effectively at school can help your child's ability to learn and participate in activities. Knowing that your child's school is ready to handle an asthma emergency can mean less worry for you.

Franciscan Physician Network pediatrician Corin Marshall, MD, FAACP, shares tips to help prepare for your child's school when your child has asthma.

Exercise And Asthma

Just like any other child, students who have asthma need exercise and should be encouraged to participate in physical activities that are appropriate. Your child should have access to any medications that might be needed before or after aerobic exercise, whether it's for PE class or recess. Having asthma doesn't keep a child from participating from sports such as basketball and soccer.

"Having asthma typically does not prevent a child from participating," Dr. Marshall said. "Ask your doctor if your child should use their albuterol inhaler prior to exercise to prevent breathing problems.  It is recommended that children with asthma have an inhaler at school in case it is needed before or during PE."

Talk with your healthcare provider before your child begins any exercise program or sport.

Knowing Asthma Triggers

Many things in our environment can trigger asthma flare-ups, including weather changes, colds, flu, mold, dust and pollens. If you know of annual seasonal allergen such as ragweed, talk to your physician early in the season, before major flare-ups occur. Work with your child's allergist to make sure you have the right treatments in place, including getting the proper prescriptions for their weight and age.

Common Asthma Triggers

It's important for kids with asthma and allergies to avoid triggers. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, some triggers particularly affect children with asthma and can make the inflammation in their lungs even worse. The common cold is one of the most frequent triggers for asthma attacks in very young children. Others asthma triggers include:

• Smoke
• Exposure to allergens (such as animal dander, dust mites or pollen)
• Strong smells (perfumes or other odors)
• Changes in weather; cold air
• Running or playing hard
• Crying or laughing
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) given off by new carpeting

Parents should consider: Is there new carpeting in school hallways? Are there open windows where pollen can drift into the classroom? Could a class pet be causing allergies? Is there mold in the bathrooms? It's important for parents to discuss potential triggers with school officials to help control their child's symptoms.

Communication Is Key

With your pediatrician or healthcare provider, create an asthma action plan for your child to share with teachers, nurses and other school staff.

"An asthma action plan is essential if taking an inhaler to school for your child," Dr. Marshall said. "This helps the school nurse know how to use the inhaler.  It gives specific instructions on what should be done based on the child’s symptoms."

A written asthma action plan helps in the event of an emergency or in case another adult, such as a substitute teacher, is overseeing your child when an asthma attack occurs.

Your asthma action plan may include these topics:

• What medicines and when. Include directions on when to take controller (medicines you take every day no matter how you feel) and quick-relief medicines (medicines you take when you are experiencing symptoms).
• What triggers asthma symptoms. Describe your child's asthma symptoms and what to do if they should happen. Triggers or those things that make your child’s asthma worse may also be listed.
• Aerobic activity and recess. The medicine and dose your child needs to take before recess, PE class, and other exercise. Note any activities your child needs to avoid, or special precautions to take, such as wearing a scarf or ski mask on cold days, or not exercising outdoors when pollen counts are high.
• Emergency information. Include the name and phone number of your child’s healthcare provider, emergency phone numbers and when to call the provider or emergency medical services.

Make sure your child is comfortable speaking up when symptoms are occurring.

"Teach your child to use their inhaler correctly by themselves as soon as you feel they are able," Dr. Marshall said. "Remind them they have access to an inhaler at school and at home.  They should know to tell an adult when they feel like it is difficult to breathe or they are having fits of coughing.”

Planning For Cold And Flu Season

It's important to protect against cold, flu and other respiratory viruses that pose a risk to children with asthma. That includes wearing masks, washing hands, getting vaccinated and using hand sanitizer whenever possible.

"Make sure to have your child get the flu vaccine every fall/winter season," Dr. Marshall said. "This is especially important for children with asthma."

According to the CDC, you can control your asthma! Know the warning signs of an asthma attack, stay away from things that trigger an attack and follow the advice of your physician or healthcare provider.