Returning to school can mean dealing with allergies and other sensitivities; it can also mean dealing with both allergic and non-allergic asthma.

This is a big issue for parents. As many as 1 in 10 schoolchildren has asthma in the US.

While schools do their best to provide the best environment for learning and growth, there are drawbacks for kids with chronic breathing issues. In fact, research shows that asthma attacks increase after schools starts, with both emergency room and hospitalization rates spiking in the month of September.

How can a parent help their child to avoid a serious attack? There are a number of steps that can be taken to ensure a healthy child at school.

1. Parents need to ensure a good asthma management program is in place, before the child returns to school. This means working closely with their chosen doctors or health care providers. Asthma triggers need to be identified, so that the right steps can be taken – up to and including medication. For instance, even the cleanest school can be harboring chalk dust, mold and even dust mites. This means that parents need to be prepared for school with strategies to manage triggers or allergens that the child could encounter in the classroom. So, parents should have a visit with their child’s primary asthma care professional before school starts, to discuss the any asthma treatment plan in place and what changes or new options exist.
2. If using quick-relief inhalers, the child should be coached to use these at the first sign of symptoms. Symptoms that are left to progress can result in a more severe attack that is more difficult to get under control.
3. Long term medications may be necessary to help reduce the chronic airway inflammation that can help set the stage for acute attacks. This means inhaled corticosteroids. These inhalers are not for quick relief; instead, these drugs help to prevent attacks over a much longer time period. They also require a doctor’s prescription – so that appointment before school starts is very important.
4. Talk to your child’s school! Whatever your child’s unique emergency action plan is, the school needs to be notified and the teacher fully informed. Make sure your child’s school has your emergency contact information, in case you are suddenly needed.
5. Does your school have its own set of policies for asthmatic students? Any policies and procedures in place need to be fully explained to you.
6. Don’t leave anything to chance! Ensure that your child’s medication is up-to-date and that they have the required items at school, while following the procedures agreed upon between you and the school administration.

Source: Health News Digest