 As millions of students with asthma pour back into the nation’s classrooms over the next month, the startling results of an American Lung Association poll of parents of children with asthma reveal they are not taking basic steps to manage their child’s asthma while at school. Less than one-third of those parents surveyed make sure their children are under medical supervision or talk to school administrators about their child’s asthma, despite evidence that asthma emergency room and hospitalization rates spike in September—a seasonal “back-to-school asthma” phenomenon.
According to the poll, 73 percent of parents of children with asthma report they are concerned about how their child’s asthma will affect their ability to participate in school, yet the majority of those parents are not taking steps recommended by the American Lung Association to better manage their child’s asthma. Less than half the parents polled talk to the teacher about their child’s asthma (48 percent) or make sure the child’s medicine is available at school (42 percent). Less than one-third make sure their child is under medical supervision (31 percent) or talk to the school administration about the child’s health condition (27 percent).
Several studies have tracked increases in asthma attacks in September and October, not long after a new school year begins. More than six million children under 18 suffer from asthma, which can be life-threatening if not properly managed. It is the leading cause of school absenteeism due to chronic conditions and the leading cause of hospitalizations in children under 15.
What can parents do to be prepared?
Every child should have an asthma action plan. The plan is developed by the child's physician and details the child's specific triggers, medications, instructions regarding physical activity and an emergency plan. The physician, parent and the school should all have a copy. Make sure your child is up-to-date on medical visits. Update prescriptions and get them filled. Schedule a flu shot now so your child can be immunized in October. Preventing influenza may reduce asthma episodes and trips to the emergency room; flu shots for people with asthma have been proven safe by American Lung Association clinical research.
Get involved
Parents should be involved in every aspect of managing their child’s asthma. Consider getting further involved in your child’s asthma management by:
• Encouraging your child’s school to reduce school bus emissions which have been shown to cause asthma episodes. Most buses use heavily polluting diesel engines; newer fuels and engines are cleaner. Many school systems are using the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean School Bus Campaign to clean up these dirty emissions. Schools are also not allowing school buses to idle at the building, to keep exhaust levels down.
• Volunteering to serve on the school’s Health Advisory Committee or work with your local Asthma Coalition to provide the school with asthma tools.
Back to School with Asthma Toolkit:
Parent Tip Sheet
Asthma in Children Fact Sheet
Kids with Asthma Bill of Rights
Asthma Action Plan
Brochure for schools on indoor air quality
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