5 Back-to-school Asthma Tips

When you have a child with asthma, the back-to-school season can feel like a challenge. Covenant Allergy and Asthma knows how important it is to help children with asthma–and their families–get off on the right foot. Consider this helpful checklist to make sure everyone is prepared to breathe better this school year.

Schedule a check-up with your child’s allergist.
That’s right, now is a great time to see us! Depending upon your child’s needs, we will work with you to create or revise their asthma action plan. If your child is currently on asthma medication, we’ll check the effectiveness and dosage and get all of the backup medications you may need for the school nurse, any coaches, or other individuals who may assist in your child’s care.

Decide if your child is ready to self-carry their medication.
Today, every state in the US has passed legislation to let students carry and use their asthma inhalers at school. We can help you decide if your child is ready to carry their own medication and self-administer it in the event of an asthma episode. Getting your child prepared at a young age to carry their own asthma meds will help save time and worry at school.

Arrange a meeting with the school nurse.
Be sure to bring along the most recently updated asthma action plan and backup medications. Sign all necessary medical forms for your child’s school and discuss whether or not your child may self-carry their inhaler. Talk to the nurse about the school’s protocol so you understand how asthma emergencies will be managed.

Meet with your child’s classroom teacher(s).
You’ll also want to touch base with your child’s teacher(s) about their asthma. Teachers should be informed about the triggers which can bring on an attack and what they should to do in the event of an emergency. You’ll need to come to an agreement, whether that means they get your child to the school nurse right away or allow them to take use their quick-relief inhaler first.

Meet your child’s gym teacher and coaches.
An important part of the asthma action plan is to ensure that your child won’t miss out on outdoor activities and physical education. Be sure to chat with their gym teacher and any coaches to make sure everyone knows how to handle an emergency.

With the proper planning and preparation, your child can enjoy a happy and healthy school year despite their asthma challenges. Give us a call this week if you haven’t made an appointment yet, and visit our website today to learn more about our clinics.