height and weight, their asthma action plan is up to date and that their symptoms are under control, the ACAAI recommends. Ideally, this should be done before school begins.
Children with asthma under the care of an allergist have a 77 percent reduction in lost time from school, according to the ACAAI.
If your child has food allergies, work with your allergist and school staff to create an action plan that lists the foods your child is allergic to, what treatment is required, as well as emergency contact information, the ACAAI urges.
Asthma and classrooms: Strategies
The CDC also recommends these strategies to help your child with asthma in the classrooms:
Asthma education for all. If possible, make sure school staff know the basics about asthma. This includes how to respond to an asthma emergency.
Asthma Action Plan. You should also discuss your child’s Asthma Action Plan with teachers, the school nurse, and other key staff members. In it, you should cover issues such as asthma triggers and medicines, peak-flow, and watching symptoms. It should also explain what to do in case of an emergency (when to call parents, when to call a provider, and when to call 911). You should give a written copy of this plan to the school and the school nurse and be sure your child’s teachers and other relevant staff members understand it. It is also important that staff members know how to give pain relief medicines and where it is stored.
Healthy air quality. Ask your child’s school to ban tobacco use on school property. Having a good pest control method can also help control cockroaches and other allergy-causing pests. Make sure your child’s school is taking steps to reduce dust and debris in the air during any construction or remodeling. If you live in an area where the air quality varies, consider asking the school to let your child play inside on bad air days.
Safe physical activities. Make sure your child’s school has physical activities that are safe and suitable for their condition. You should also make sure your child gets any medicines he or she might need before or during exercise.
Cooperation. The CDC finds that asthma-friendly schools work best when they have strong community support. This takes communication from both the school and the parents. The school should let you know what steps they are taking to help reduce exposing your child to triggers. On your side, you should remember to update the school and the school nurse about any changes in your child’s Asthma Action Plan and give them an updated copy of the plan.
Trigger avoidance. The school and key staff members should work with you and your child to help you find and reduce asthma triggers in the school.