Asthma at School

Parents | Teachers | Health Professionals | Media

There are over 20,000 hospitalizations for childhood asthma each year and many of them occur during the fall months. When children go back to school they face increased exposure to viral infections, which can trigger asthma symptoms. Respiratory infections are a powerful trigger for asthma symptoms, which are common in children and easily transmitted in the school environment.

Many children will also experience sleep disturbances due to asthma symptoms at night thereby leading to fatigue, and possible negative classroom behavior. If the deteriorating asthma control goes untreated, children with asthma often are absent from school which results in reduced academic standing.

What can you do?
The Asthma Society of Canada recommends the following steps to help your child achieve symptom-free asthma:

Step 1: Talk to your doctor, pharmacist and asthma educator about how to monitor your child’s asthma control.

Resources:

Child Asthma Action Plan Student Asthma Data Form Asthma Basics 123 Program Inserts Peak Flow Instructions Other Resources & Links

Asthma Action Plan (English)
Asthma Action Plan (French)

Student Asthma Data Form
This is a form concerning your child's medication needs and specific asthma warning signs. Along with the Asthma Action Plan, this form should be filled out by you and by your child's primary care physician.

A copy of this card should then be given to the school staff members such as the teacher, principal and physical education instructor.

Download the Student Asthma Card.

Asthma Basics 123 Program Inserts
Practical information and tips for teachers and principals on steps to take to effectively manage asthma in the school environment.

[English]  [French]

Peak Flow Instructions
Peak flow monitoring is an alternative way to assist you in monitoring your child's asthma condition.

Many children with asthma underestimate their asthma. Peak flow monitoring can be an important step for understanding their real condition and preventing or limiting asthma episodes. Along with advice from your child's doctor and school nurse, these instructions will teach you and your child how to monitor peak flow.

Talk to your primary care physician about obtaining a peak flow meter for use at home. Talk to your child’s school nurse (if applicable) about the possibility of peak flow monitoring for your child at school.

Other Resources & Links

iCAN (I CAN Control My Asthma Now!). The Community Pediatric Asthma Service, Calgary (Alberta) Health Region, provides a "roadmap" to asthma control to help parents navigate the sometimes confusing road to controlling asthma. Information resources include Travelling With Asthma, Daycare information and Asthma Resources for Kids. This site also has great kid-friendly asthma information, with an animated story especially suited for young children and a new section for teens.

National Jewish Medical and Research Center. This site has some great ideas for preparing for the new school year, as well as a back-to-school plan in story form, including a checklist for kids.

AsthmaMoms (US). This site is for families helping families manage asthma and features comprehensive interactive asthma management resources, including videos, articles, a discussion board, product/service evaluations and Spanish links.

Talking to Your Child about Their Asthma (US). This article, from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, provides valuable advice to parents on how to help your child cope with having asthma.

Dusty the Asthma Goldfish and His Asthma Triggers FunBook (US). This education workbook provides a fun way for parents and children to learn more about asthma and its triggers.

For more general asthma resources and links, visit our Related Links section.

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