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Asthma resources and information for schools and teachers |
- Asthma is a chronic health condition of the respiratory tract that is thought to affect 8.6 million children in the United States.
- Asthma accounts for 14 million lost days of school missed annually.
- Asthma is the third-ranking cause of hospitalization among those younger than 15 years of age.
Children who have asthma do best with a comprehensive approach to asthma that includes medical assessment and management - including the use of medications and control of environmental triggers.
A comprehensive approach also includes a commitment from all of the adults and all of the systems that interact with the child. Because children spend at least six hours a day, five days a week, in the school environment, the school system is a key component of a child's comprehensive asthma management.
School personnel can take a number of roles in assisting students who have asthma:
Continuing education programs |
Participate in continuing education programs designed to increase knowledge about asthma and asthma management:
- School Asthma Education Slide Set
National Heart Lung Blood Institute (NHLBI)
- Asthma Update Day
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America - Washington Chapter
Two-day training with CEUs for nurses, pharmacists, respiratory therapists. Certified clock hours available for school nurses. Half-day training available for childcare providers.
- Pediatric Asthma: Promoting Best Practices
American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology
- Schoolnurse.com
School Health Alert
Offers school nurses and other health professionals the opportunity to earn continuing education credit via the web, on their own schedule, from the comfort of their home or office. You can also register to receive a free weekly e-mail newsletter (the "School Nurse-Zine").
Recognize symptoms of asthma in students who have not been diagnosed and discuss concerns with parents:
- About-Asthma.com
What exactly is an asthma attack? This website illustrates the stages of what happens when an asthmatic sufferer has an asthma episode or "flare".
Help students find appropriate healthcare resources:
- Quality medical care for children with asthma
Public Health Centers in King County
- Medicaid and CHIP Insurance
Public Health - Seattle & King County
Many children in Washington can get free or low-cost health insurance. Many families qualify and don't even know it. In addition to medical care, this insurance covers dental, vision and mental health or substance abuse counseling. It's easy to apply!
- Community Health Access Program (CHAP)
Information about health insurance and affordable health care in your community. You can also reach CHAP by phone, at (206) 284-0331 or toll free (800) 756-5437.
Establish policies and routines that minimize barriers to students using prescribed asthma medications:
- How Asthma-Friendly Is Your School?
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
This questionnaire is formatted as seven questions that can help to identify sources of problems in schools for children with asthma. Available in Spanish.
- Asthma Management in Educational Settings (A.M.E.S.)
American Lung Association of Washington
Comprehensive guide with reproducible handouts and forms is available for purchase or can be downloaded for free.
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Physical education requirements |
Examine physical education requirements to make sure students with asthma are encouraged to participate in PE and team sports, but develop adapted activities when students are experiencing symptoms:
- Asthma & Physical Activity in the School
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
This booklet covers the causes of asthma, symptoms of an asthma attack, how to avoid and control asthma triggers, how to help students who take medications, and how to modify activities to match children's current asthma status.
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Asthma management in curricula |
Incorporate information about asthma and asthma management in curricula:
- Open Airways for Schools
American Lung Association of Washington
A volunteer elementary school-based program that educates and inspires children through an innovative approach to peer teaching and asthma self-management.
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Physical environment for factors that may contribute to asthma |
- Indoor Air Quality: Tools for Schools
United State Environmental Protection Agency, EPA
The Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Tools for Schools Kit shows schools how to carry out a practical plan of action to improve indoor air problems at little or no cost using straightforward activities and in-house staff.
- Indoor Air Quality in Northwest Schools
Washington State University Cooperative Extension Program
- Rehab the Labs
King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks
A free service to King County schools to help them manage their hazardous chemicals through site visits, fully scripted lesson plans for least-toxic chemistry labs, ways to reduce chemical stockpiles in biology labs, and a list of chemicals whose risks outweigh their educational utility.
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Establish and follow a plan |
Work collaboratively with parents, students and healthcare providers to establish and follow a plan for minimizing symptoms and responding to symptoms when they occur:
- Asthma Management in Educational Settings (A.M.E.S.)
American Lung Association of Washington
Comprehensive guide with reproducible handouts and forms is available for purchase or can be downloaded for free.
- Addressing Asthma Within a Coordinated School Health Program
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Concrete suggestions for schools working to improve the health and school attendance of children with asthma. The six strategies identified by the CDC can be effective whether your program is for the entire school district or just one school.
- Student Asthma Action Card
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
Complete the card for your school-aged patients to leave in their school office in case of an asthma attack or emergency.
- SchoolAsthmaAllergy.com
Schering-Plough Pharmaceuticals
Provides accurate, current and useful tools and information for school nurses as they manage the student with asthma and allergies at school.
- Students with Chronic Illness: Guidance for Families, Schools, and Students
National Heart Lung Blood Institute
Presents positive actions schools and families can take to address multiple chronic diseases at once using the same action steps. The guidance sheet is brief--a one-page document front and back--and the suggestions given are both practical and low cost.
- National Asthma Education and Prevention Program Resolution on Asthma Management at School
National Heart Lung Blood Institute
Policies for the management of asthma that encourage the active participation of students in the self-management of their condition and allow for the most consistent, active participation in all school activities.
- Health and Safety Guide - 2000
Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction – Washington
Practices that are required by code or law and other recommendations to help promote good health and safety practices in schools.
- AsthmaandSchools.org
National Education Association Health Information Network
Consolidates information about asthma-related resources for school personnel working with grades K-12 with database links to educational materials, medical information, websites, and other resources useful for anyone who works in a school serving children and youth. |
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