What Parents of Children with Asthma Need to Know to Help Prepare for School this Fall

LITTLE ROCK, AR – (August 16, 2023) – Cue the music: “Celebrate good times, come on!” It’s that time of year, when many parents in Arkansas and across the country rejoice as kids finally head back to school after what felt like a never-ending summer break.

For parents of children living with asthma, the long-awaited return to the classroom may be clouded with questions. What will my child do if they experience symptoms at school? How will teachers, counselors, or nurses respond if my child has an asthma crisis? Parents can make sure their children are equipped for success this school year by following these important recommendations from the American Lung Association.

1.  Visit your child’s health provider prior to the start of the school year. Parents can help children stay in control of their asthma by visiting the child’s healthcare provider prior to the start of the school year. Be sure your child is up to date with their vaccinations and their asthma treatment plan is current.  Also be aware of any potential risk of complications from respiratory illnesses like COVID-19, flu, or pertussis.
2. Teach your child how to self-administer their inhaler. For a child who is struggling to breathe, having to make the trip from the classroom to the school’s health room can use up precious time. After using the Student Readiness Assessment Tool to determine if your child is ready to carry and use a quick-relief inhaler on their own at school, visit their healthcare provider and ensure your child has had plenty of practice using their inhaler.
3. Prepare your child’s asthma care team. Make sure your child’s teachers, counselors, and coaches are prepared for the school year. Share your child’s Asthma Action Plan, along with the appropriate back-up medications, with your child’s care team. You should also familiarize yourself with the policies and practices your child’s school has regarding asthma to be sure you understand how asthma medicines are stored, what happens if your child has symptoms at school, and general asthma crises protocols.
4. Talk to your child about smoking and vaping. Smoking and vaping can be extremely dangerous for a child with asthma, as the irritation of the child’s airways can make asthma crises more frequent and severe. Have a conversation with your child about these dangers – the American Lung Association’s Vape Talk page is a great resource for parents to learn more about how to talk to teens about vaping and the pressure that surrounds it.