Back to School a Challenge for Kids with Asthma
Seven Steps Parents Can Take to Make Sure their Child Stays Healthy During the Day
WASHINGTON, DC (July 28, 2010)—
The back to school season is a busy time for both kids and parents, but when your child has asthma, the beginning of a new school year can be especially challenging. For parents of a child with asthma, it's an opportunity to create a plan to make sure their child stays healthy, in school and ready to learn.
The most common chronic disorder in childhood, asthma affects an estimated seven million children under the age of 18. It is one of the main reasons that students miss school due to illness, over 14 million lost school days every year.
"Each child reacts differently to the factors that may trigger asthma," said Dr. Norman Edelman, Chief Medical Officer of the American Lung Association. "Common asthma triggers include respiratory infections, allergic reactions to pollen, mold, animal dander, cigarette smoke, dust and foods, and exercise. It's important that parents manage their child's asthma as a team effort, involving their child, the child's healthcare providers, and the school. All members of the team should communicate, ask questions, and share information about the child's health and well-being."
Parents should also be aware that cold and flu season is beginning as well. Influenza poses a special health risk to children with asthma, as these kids often experience more severe symptoms. The Lung Association also strongly recommends that all children, especially those with asthma be immunized against influenza. Yet the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that at most, only one-third of children with asthma are vaccinated annually against influenza.
"Vaccination against influenza needs to be a higher priority in this country," added Dr. Edelman. "Influenza is a serious disease with deadly consequences. Parents need to know that the best way to protect their kids against influenza is to ensure their child is vaccinated each and every year."
According to the CDC, yearly flu vaccination should begin in September, or as soon as vaccine is available. "An additional fact about this upcoming flu season that we should all be aware of is that this year there will be no separate vaccine for HINI influenza," added Dr. Edelman. "H1N1 will be part of the regular flu vaccine, so this year there will only be one flu vaccination required."
In preparation for the school year ahead, the American Lung Association also urges parents who have children with asthma to complete the following checklist:
- Asthma Action Plan: All students with asthma should have a written Asthma Action Plan that details personal information about the child's asthma symptoms, medications, any physical activity limitations and provides specific instructions about what to do if an asthma attack does not improve with prescribed medication. Elementary school children can learn to manage their own asthma when they participate in the American Lung Association's award-winning Open Airways For Schools program. If you have a child between the ages of 11-16, check out Kickin'Asthma.
- Schedule Asthma Check-up Doctor's Appointment: Even if your child's asthma is well managed, Asthma Action Plans should be updated each school year, so schedule a check up with your healthcare provider. This is critical to ensuring your child's asthma continues to be effectively controlled, and provides an opportunity to evaluate medications and physical activity restrictions. Remember to give a copy of the completed Asthma Action Plan to your child's school.
- Vaccinate Yourself and Your Child Against Seasonal Influenza: The CDC now recommends everyone over the age of six months get a flu vaccination. By protecting yourself against influenza by getting vaccinated, you also help further protect your child.
- Visit Your Child's School Nurse and Teachers: All of the child's teachers, coaches, out-of-school activity organizers, as well as the school nurse and/or office should have a current copy of their Asthma Action Plan. Discuss your child's specific triggers and typical symptoms so that they can be prepared to effectively assist your child should an asthma attack occur outside of your presence.
- Know Your School's Asthma Emergency Plan: Ensure that your child's school knows how to contact you in case of an emergency. It is also important for parents to know the school's past history of dealing with asthma episodes. Parents should confirm that school staff— including after-school coaches and bus drivers have been trained in responding to asthma emergencies.
- Advocate for Your Child: In all 50 states, students have the legal right to carry asthma medications while at school. Check with your school nurse or administrator for your school's individual policy, and meet with your child's healthcare provider to complete the required paperwork. To learn more about creating an asthma-friendly school, click here for the Asthma-Friendly Schools Initiative Toolkit.
- Know About Prescription Assistance Services: Don't let cost of medicines be the reason that your child doesn't get the necessary treatment to control their asthma. Three organizations are available to help:
- The Partnership for Prescription Assistance can be reached by calling 1-888-4PPA-NOW.
- Rx Outreach also provides information on their website: www.rxoutreach.com.
- Patient Services Incorporated: http://www.uneedpsi.org/cms400min/index.aspx.
- Most Pharmaceutical companies offer prescription assistance programs as well.
For additional information on asthma and children, visit www.lung.org or call 1-800-LUNG-USA.
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About the American Lung Association
Now in its second century, the American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. With your generous support, the American Lung Association is “Fighting for Air” through research, education and advocacy. For more information about the American Lung Association, a holder of the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Guide Seal, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872) or visit www.lung.org.
