Looking for information about a chronic childhood condition or disease? Read about asthma, allergies, cancer, diabetes, heart murmurs, sleep disorders, and much more.
An estimated 9 million kids under age 18 have been diagnosed with asthma and more than 14 million days of school are missed each year because of the condition, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.
But well-managed asthma is far less likely to result in a sick day. When kids' asthma is under control, they have a minimum of asthma action plan that may include a list of:
The plan might also include instructions for exercise-induced asthma. Once you and the doctor have completed the asthma action plan, make sure to give your child's school a copy.
A meeting with your child's teacher and other school staff at the start of every school year can also be helpful for making sure that arrangements are in place.
You should talk about:
Ideally, Kids who have exercise-induced asthma should have their rescue medication available before any strenuous play or exercise. So they might need permission to go to the nurse's office before recess or gym class, which may be embarrassing and cumbersome for older kids. Again, it might be better for these kids to carry the rescue medication with them. Is your child responsible and organized enough to carry the inhaler at all times and to use it when necessary? If so, you can help by reminding your child to have it on hand. Keep track of how much medicine is left in the inhaler, and consider asking to keep extra rescue medication in the nurse's office, just in case. Dealing With Triggers in the School Environment Your child is likely to encounter these possible asthma triggers at school: mold dust mites cockroaches chalk dust perfumes cleaning products or other chemicals animal dander, saliva, or urine You should let the school's staff know if any of these will trigger your child's asthma. You might also want to make some suggestions, such as: Ask teachers to use "dustless" chalk or dry-erase boards. Ask the staff to avoid using perfumed cleaning products or soaps. Propose the use of air conditioners and dehumidifiers. Ask that any classroom where art supplies are used and locker rooms where mold can grow be well ventilated. Make sure that the school is vacuumed and dusted regularly, that it's routinely treated by a pest control company, and that it's completely smoke free. Reviewed by: Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. ©1995-2006 KidsHealth. All rights reserved.
Kids who have exercise-induced asthma should have their rescue medication available before any strenuous play or exercise. So they might need permission to go to the nurse's office before recess or gym class, which may be embarrassing and cumbersome for older kids. Again, it might be better for these kids to carry the rescue medication with them.
Is your child responsible and organized enough to carry the inhaler at all times and to use it when necessary? If so, you can help by reminding your child to have it on hand. Keep track of how much medicine is left in the inhaler, and consider asking to keep extra rescue medication in the nurse's office, just in case.
Your child is likely to encounter these possible asthma triggers at school:
You should let the school's staff know if any of these will trigger your child's asthma. You might also want to make some suggestions, such as:
Reviewed by: Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. ©1995-2006 KidsHealth. All rights reserved.