Children with asthma:
1. what is needed for school
2. Asthma Action Plan/collaboration with pediatrician
3. tips for better control
4. equipment available in school nurse office
With the prevalence of asthma increasing rapidly among children in the U.S., most schools have many students with asthma. Many classroom teachers -- and certainly the school nurses -- are very familiar with helping children with asthma. Still, it is important to take steps to ensure that your child gets adequate attention at school and that all the key people are familiar with what is needed in managing your child’s asthma and preventing asthma symptoms at school.
1. what is needed for school
2. Asthma Action Plan/collaboration with pediatrician
3. tips for better control
4. equipment available in school nurse office
With the prevalence of asthma increasing rapidly among children in the U.S., most schools have many students with asthma. Many classroom teachers -- and certainly the school nurses -- are very familiar with helping children with asthma. Still, it is important to take steps to ensure that your child gets adequate attention at school and that all the key people are familiar with what is needed in managing your child’s asthma and preventing asthma symptoms at school.
Ask you pediatrician for an Asthma Action Plan for school.
This way, your child's doctor, the school nurse and you are all on the same page.
Your child's asthma will be in better control.
This way, your child's doctor, the school nurse and you are all on the same page.
Your child's asthma will be in better control.
It is very important to give the school nurse all the medicines that your child might need during school hours along with the proper instructions, including your child's asthma action plan. Medication must come to school in the original box from the pharmacy with your child's name and doctor clearly labeled. A medication form should come from your child's doctor as to any specific instructions for school. The asthma action plan, completed by the doctor is a great way to have communication with home, school and the doctor. When you visit your doctor, please ask to for the Asthma Action plan. All inhalers are stored in the nurse's office. All teachers are notified of your child's medical needs. It is a good idea to contact the school nurse to update her on any new issues with your child's asthma at the beginning of each school year. The nurse has a nebulizer machine in the office if needed.
When your child uses their inhaler, the nurse will send a note home or call for any concerns. A child with asthma should not be excluded from any activities if their asthma is in good control. Some children may have triggers that make their symptoms worse. Again good communication with the school nurse is essential! Asthma should not be a reason to keep your child home from school. If your child is having issues in the morning, just call the nurse and let her know so that she could check on your child periodically during the school day. Office # 767-4822
Triggers can make Asthma worse:
When your child uses their inhaler, the nurse will send a note home or call for any concerns. A child with asthma should not be excluded from any activities if their asthma is in good control. Some children may have triggers that make their symptoms worse. Again good communication with the school nurse is essential! Asthma should not be a reason to keep your child home from school. If your child is having issues in the morning, just call the nurse and let her know so that she could check on your child periodically during the school day. Office # 767-4822
Triggers can make Asthma worse:
cigarette or cigar smoke, air freshener, strong colognes, strong perfumes can all trigger an asthma attack. If you are a smoker, please smoke outside the home or car. Second hand smoke can be dangerous for children with asthma.
If grass pollen or ragweed in the air make you feel miserable, you may have something called "oral allergy syndrome"; Some fruits may bother you, too. When that happens, your body mistakes certain natural chemicals in fruits like apples, pears, bananas, and peaches for the pollens that cause your allergies. The result: an itchy mouth and scratchy throat. In some cases, the allergy can become more severe, so check with an allergist if you start tingling after having some fruit.
Dust Mites - Live and breed in mattresses, bed linens, carpet, stuffed toys, fabric-covered furniture, etc and can be found in every home. They resemble a flea, but are so small that a microscope is needed to see them. Here are some ways to reduce exposure to Dust Mites in the home:
- If possible, do NOT have the asthma sufferer in the room that is being cleaned to avoid aggravating symptoms.
- Wash sheets and blankets in HOT water, once a week.
- Vacuum weekly - preferably with a HEPA filtered vacuum cleaner.
- Choose stuffed toys that are washable. Wash them in hot water and dry thoroughly periodically. Stuffed toys should NOT be placed on beds or in the bedroom if possible. If the stuffed toy cannot be washed - place it in a plastic bag then place it in the refrigerator freezer for a few hours. The cold will kill the dust mites.
- Cover mattresses and pillows in dust-proof (allergen-impermeable) zipped covers that are specific for dust mites. (These items can be purchased in many department stores and online).
Pets - To help avoid asthma symptoms brought on by a pet, here are some suggestions:
- Consider keeping pets outdoors or even finding a new home for your pets especially if asthma symptoms brought on by exposure to the pet are severe. (Note:Even by removing a pet, the allergens from that pet may remain in the home for up to one year).
- Make the bedrooms and other sleeping areas of those with asthma off limits to pets at all times, and keep the door closed.
- Keep indoor pets away from fabric-covered furniture, carpets and stuffed toys. Vacuum, dust and clean often - at least weekly.
- Bathe and groom the dog or cat frequently to reduce allergens. (This only reduces allergens - it does not completely remove them).
Molds and Mildew - Grow in damp and shady places. Caused by collection of water such as leaky pipes or roof. To help avoid asthma symptoms try these steps:
- Wash mold off hard surfaces and let dry completely. Absorbent materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet with mold, may need to be completely removed and replaced.
- Locate the source of moisture - drainage problem, leaky plumbing, poor ventilation, etc. and have the problem corrected.
- Keep drip pans in your air conditioner, refrigerator and dehumidifier clean and dry.
- Use exhaust fans or open windows in kitchens and bathrooms when showering, cooking or using the dishwasher.
- Keep low indoor humidity, ideally between 30 to 50 percent relative humidity. Humidity levels can be measured by hygrometers. Hygrometers are available at local hardware stores or home improvement centers.
- How to lower humidity levels - Use a portable dehumidifier in your home or office. These products can be purchased at most home improvement centers and hardware stores. The newer models of dehumidifiers have digital readouts where you can set the percent of relative humidity that you want your room to be. Preferrably 30-50 percent. Lower humidity levels reduces the number of dust mites. Dust mites have difficulty living and reproducing in lower humidity.
Exercise
Exercise may be the only trigger for some kids with asthma. Along with allergens, this is one of the more common triggers. In fact, 80%-90% of people with asthma develop symptoms when they exercise. It can be a particular problem in someone whose asthma isn't well managed. But this is one trigger that your child should notavoid because exercise is important for overall health.
Instead of discouraging strenuous play or sports, talk with your doctor about what your child should do before, during, and after exercise. This may include taking medicine prior to working out or playing a sport.
Your child won't be able to avoid all triggers all the time, and it's unrealistic to expect your child to do so. But minimizing exposure helps keep asthma symptoms under control.
Just because a child has asthma doesn't mean he or she shouldn't travel, play sports, go to parties, or do any of the things that other kids do. Taking sensible precautions, like following the asthma action plan, carrying fast-acting (or rescue) medication, and taking allergy medicines before visiting friends with pets can help kids with asthma do everything they enjoy.
The nurse's office has a nebulizer machine available. So if your child needs a treatment at school, the nurse can provide that. Having asthma is not a reason to keep your child out of school for prolonged periods of time. We can all work together to keep your child in school, ready to learn.
Exercise may be the only trigger for some kids with asthma. Along with allergens, this is one of the more common triggers. In fact, 80%-90% of people with asthma develop symptoms when they exercise. It can be a particular problem in someone whose asthma isn't well managed. But this is one trigger that your child should notavoid because exercise is important for overall health.
Instead of discouraging strenuous play or sports, talk with your doctor about what your child should do before, during, and after exercise. This may include taking medicine prior to working out or playing a sport.
Your child won't be able to avoid all triggers all the time, and it's unrealistic to expect your child to do so. But minimizing exposure helps keep asthma symptoms under control.
Just because a child has asthma doesn't mean he or she shouldn't travel, play sports, go to parties, or do any of the things that other kids do. Taking sensible precautions, like following the asthma action plan, carrying fast-acting (or rescue) medication, and taking allergy medicines before visiting friends with pets can help kids with asthma do everything they enjoy.
The nurse's office has a nebulizer machine available. So if your child needs a treatment at school, the nurse can provide that. Having asthma is not a reason to keep your child out of school for prolonged periods of time. We can all work together to keep your child in school, ready to learn.