Although asthma is a chronic disease, symptoms are not always present. We cannot completely control when and where those symptoms may appear. It is important to help the asthmatic child remain in school as much as possible. In order to accomplish this, it is important to establish good communication with all school personnel who may interact with the child. They may or may not have encountered asthmatic children prior to yours. Don't assume that they know a lot about children. A recent survey of teachers in a large metropolitan school system indicated a very mixed understanding of asthma and the expectations of the child with asthma. It is still important that they all understand:
how asthma affects your child
what can trigger his/her asthma
how well the child is able to handle asthma episodes
how medications may affect performance at school
what can be done to prevent asthma episodes
and what medications are to be used at school.
It is also important that they understand how the child is to use these medications, inhalers, spacers, and peak flow meters at school. They must also know when it is time for you or for the doctor to be contacted.
Help the school personnel realize that the main purpose in discussing your child's asthma is to keep school attendance as regular as possible and to promote a positive learning environment. With this positive interaction, they will usually be more than happy to assist you and your child. Because they are with your child so much of the day, the impact they have on positive management of asthma is immeasurable. Lines of communication need to be open and remain open. Let them know that you are willing to discuss whatever is happening with your child. Then work together towards positive outcomes with mutual goals being established.
Discuss the difference between an acute episode that requires immediate attention versus whatever mild daily symptoms your child may have.
Provide a written list of triggers for your child's asthma. This can help the teacher in making plans for parties, activities, etc.
Provide a list of medications and how they are to be used as well as possible side-effects.
Provide all the medication necessary-making sure that it is well-labeled and current.
Provide a peak flow meter as well as the ranges and indications for certain medications based on the child's Asthma Action Plan.
Demonstrate how the child will use his/her inhaler, spacer, nebulizer, or peak flow meter.
Let them know when you should be called as well as when the doctor should be notified. Provide the phone numbers.
Exercise-induced bronchospasm occurs in nearly all asthmatics and can generally be well-controlled by use of an inhaler before the activity., Make sure the school personnel are aware of when and why the child needs his/her medications before exercise. A short-acting Rescue inhaler should be used at least 15 to 20 minutes before the type of activity that causes the asthma symptoms. If asthma is unstable and exercise should be restricted for a limited time period, let the gym teacher be aware of this. Remember that cold air in the winter time may suddenly worsen well-controlled asthma in children playing outside. In the summer, coming back inside from the heat to air-conditioning may trigger a similar response. Exercise is encouraged when asthma is well-controlled so that the asthmatic can build endurance. Being able to participate with peers and accomplish the same physical goals is important to the child's sense of self-esteem.
