UMC | Treating Asthma at School

Adult Health Library

Treating Asthma at School

It's important to tell your child’s teachers and other school staff about your child's asthma. That way, they can help your child if symptoms get worse. And they can help if your child has an asthma attack at school.

Plan a meeting

Call the school to plan a meeting with teachers and other staff. It's very helpful to have the school nurse there as well. At the meeting, talk about:

Asthma Action Plan. Make sure the school has a copy of your child's Asthma Action Plan. Work with your child's healthcare provider to make sure it's up-to-date.
Triggers that make your child's asthma worse. Common asthma triggers include dust, mold, cold air, and exercise. Discuss your child's triggers with the school staff.
Your child’s asthma attacks. Tell the group how your child deals with symptoms that get worse and asthma attacks when they happen.
Your child’s early symptoms. These might be wheezing, coughing, or sneezing. Discuss the need to stay calm and what actions may need to be taken early on.
What school staff should do if your child has symptoms that get worse or an asthma attack. Give information about your child's medicines and when your child should take them. Also let them know how fast these medicines often work, and how they can help your child while waiting for the medicines to start working. Include the names of the medicines, how much your child takes, and common side effects. Make sure the staff has a copy of your child's Asthma Action Plan. Make sure the staff knows what to do if your child has severe symptoms. Or if your child doesn't get better with the first treatment.
Medicines. If you're leaving medicines with the school, make sure they are in a locked area that is quickly accessible when needed.
Important phone numbers. Tell them who they should call if your child has any problems breathing, and in which order they should try to call. Also give backup numbers. Give them the name and phone number of your child’s healthcare provider.
Calling 911. Review when to call 911. Clarify who will be primarily responsible for responding to an asthma attack and who will be the back-up if the primary person isn't in school that day.

Know your child's rights

Many federal laws offer protection for your child if there are asthma-related management concerns at school. These include:

Section 504 of the Civil Rights Act of 1973
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

Things to remember

All of your child’s teachers, the school administrators, and the school nurse should know that your child has asthma.
Teachers and coaches don’t need to stop your child from being active or playing sports. If this happens, talk with your child's healthcare provider. Then talk with teachers, coaches, and the school nurse.
Your child should always carry a quick-relief inhaler or have ready access to their quick-relief inhaler. If your child’s school has a rule against this, talk with your child’s healthcare provider and the school. Many states now have laws that direct children with asthma to carry and use asthma inhalers with permission of both parents and healthcare providers.