Children spend a big part of their day at school. That is why it is important that asthma symptoms are well managed while they are there.
Here are some tips to keep in mind.
Take steps to ensure good communication.
Consider meeting with your child's teachers, school nurse and coaches at the beginning of the school year. They need to know about your child's asthma, how severe it is, what medicines your child takes, and what to do in an emergency.
Ask your child's doctor to complete an asthma action plan for the school staff, as well as a medicine permission form. Include information about whether your child may carry and use their own inhaler and instructions about using a spacer with the inhaler.
Sign a release at school and at your child's doctor's office to allow the exchange of medical information between you, the school personnel and your child's doctor.
Ask school officials or nurses about their policies on how your child will get access to their medicines. Also find out how school staff will manage access to the medicines during emergencies, field trips and after-school activities.
Ask for updates. These updates include guidance on how a medicine may or may not be working. The school personnel should also inform you about any changes or problems with your child's symptoms while your child is at school.
Check for triggers in the school environment.
The environment at school is as important as the environment at home. Use the "How Asthma-Friendly Is Your School?" checklist to review possible triggers in your child's school and classroom environments.
Help your child cope with asthma at school.
Talk with your child about how their asthma is being managed in school. Also talk with your child's teachers, school nurse, coaches and other school staff members about how well your child is coping with asthma in school.
Problems that students with asthma may face at school include:
Missing school because of asthma symptoms or doctor visits.
Avoiding school or school activities. Work with your child's doctor, teachers and other school personnel to encourage your child to participate in school activities.
Not taking medicine before exercise. Your child may avoid going to the school office or nurse's office to use their inhaler before exercise. Schools that allow children to carry their inhalers with them can help prevent this problem. This is a good idea only if your child always remembers to take their medicine and knows how to take it properly.
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