Managing Asthma for Back to School

 

 

You children spend a substantial part of their time at school so it’s important that your child’s asthma symptoms are managed while in the classroom. It’s also important that you are mindful of any problems that may arise while trying to manage their asthma while they are in school. Here are a few helpful tips to help you and your child.

Active communication – This is especially important to the asthma management and care of your child while in school. The school needs to know about your child’s asthma, the level of severity, your child’s medications, and what to do for an emergency. Your health care provider can complete an asthma action plan for the school and provide a medication permission form that allows your child to carry – and use – their own inhaler. As a parent, you should sign releases at school – and your health care provider’s office – to permit the exchange of medical information. Your school has to actively communicate its policies on emergencies, field trips, after school activities, and medication access with you.  If your child has any issues with his/her asthma, the school should contact you and let you know.

Peak Flow Meters – These can be a helpful tool for school staff to define the severity of an asthma attack. If your health care provider has suggested a peak flow meter, be sure to define the peak flow and then keep one at school.

Coping with Asthma and the School Environment – Talk to your child about the plan of management at school. Regularly check in with school staff to get their opinions on how your child is coping and if they are avoiding certain activities or have side effects from their medication. Your child shouldn’t be discouraged from physical activity. Your child’s school environment is just as important as their home environment, so you’ll want to make sure they feel comfortable.
Source: CMG