Back to School: Tips to Keep Asthma Controlled
Did you know that Asthma is one of the most common childhood illnesses? In fact, the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that 7.1 million children have
asthma. This means that about 1 in 10 children at your child’s school have asthma! It
is one of the leading causes of school absenteeism and can cause physical, emotional,
and financial burdens if not well controlled. Although asthma cannot be cured, it can
be controlled. Being prepared at all times of the year can help assure your child’s good
health. Below are tips to help keep your child’s asthma well controlled this school
year:

Being Prepared for Changes That May Make Asthma Worse
As school begins it is time to think about the end of fire season, the beginning
of Fall and shortly thereafter, Winter. This can mean poor air quality days, fall
pollens, cooler weather conditions, more exposure to illnesses such as the
common cold or the flu, and increase in molds. It is important to prepare for
these changes and keep track of what may be triggering your child’s asthma.
Keep an asthma notebook or diary. Here, you can write down your child’s
symptoms and possible triggers to report to your child’s healthcare provider.
For instance, if your child has shortness of breath with strenuous activity you
can note that and work together to treat exercise-induced asthma.

Important Asthma Supplies to have at School
Supplies such as pens and crayons are important to have for the school year
but it is also important to remember to have asthma supplies on hand at
school. These might include: an extra rescue or quick relief inhaler, a spacer, a
peak flow meter, and any other medication or device your child may need to
help control their asthma. Make sure your child and school staff are aware of
where these supplies are located and why and when medications may be
needed.

Meet with School Staff
Educate school staff about your child’s asthma. It is important teachers and
other individuals who are with your child at school have a good understanding
of your child’s asthma action plan, asthma triggers, symptoms, and
medications for their condition. An asthma action plan can alert school staff as
to when your child may need to use his or her inhaler, such as before PE or
when exposed to other triggers such as going outside on poor air quality days.
Staff members to connect with include your child’s school nurse, teacher
(including PE and music education teachers), and the school secretary. Also, be
sure to communicate any changes in your child’s asthma treatment, as asthma
control can change throughout the year.

Health Care Provider Follow-up
Following up regularly with your child’s Health Care Provider is essential to
ensure that your child has the correct medication and plan to maintain good
asthma control. Your child’s physician can help you develop an asthma action
plan for school as well as a plan for use at home. These plans provide guidance
about the appropriate action to take or medication to use when your child is
having asthma symptoms. It can also help you know when your child’s
condition may need further evaluation or even emergency care.

Is My Child’s Asthma Controlled?
It is important to know when your child’s asthma is not as well controlled as it
could be. If he or she is having daytime asthma symptoms (cough, wheeze,
shortness of breath, or chest tightness) greater than two times a week,
awakening at night with asthma symptoms greater than two times a month,
and having activity limitations their asthma may not be controlled well. If this is
the case, it is important to contact his or her Health Care Provider to further
assess what can be done so your child’s asthma is better controlled.

Asthma Education
Educating yourself and your child about asthma and its management can
improve your child’s asthma control. Missoula City-County Health
Department’s Montana Asthma Home Visiting Program (MAP) provides six visits
with a Public Health Nurse Asthma Specialist over the course of a year. These
visits provide asthma and medication education, tools and information about
making your home more asthma friendly, as well as ongoing support to help
you and your child gain control over asthma. Families are provided with asthma
supplies including allergen bed covers, spacers, educational materials and
other important asthma resources; all at no charge.
Following these steps is a great way to help your child maintain good health
throughout the school year and beyond. It could mean fewer days of missed school,
less hospital or Emergency Department visits due to asthma, and an over-all better
quality of life for your child. If you would like to learn more about asthma control and
the MAP Home Visiting Program please contact Josy Jahnke, PHN, at 406-258-4290 or
jjahnke@co.missoula.mt.us.