Asthma and School Readiness: Helping Parents Prepare Their Children

For kids with asthma, the beginning or resumption of school is also unique. With good planning, they can be well, active and prepared to learn while being capable of managing their condition effectively. Through good communication between your child's doctor, teachers, and school personnel, you can establish an environment conducive to reducing asthma triggers and enabling your child to have a successful and safe school year. Dr. Jeffrey Cabotaje and Dr. Elizabeth Wollensak at Pediatrics Unlimited in Oak Park, IL, can help manage your child’s asthma.

Understanding Your Child's Asthma Needs

Asthma symptoms can be mild or severe and are initiated by allergens, exercise, a weather change, or a respiratory tract infection. If your child is wheezing, coughing, breathless, or experiencing tightness in the chest, you must have a well-set management plan before sending them to school.

Steps to Assist in Preparing Your Child for School

Arrange a Pre-School Check-Up

Before the school year starts, visit your child's pediatrician to check their asthma control, renew prescriptions, and review any changes to their treatment plan. It is also a good time to ensure your child's vaccines, including the flu vaccine, are current to lower respiratory illness risks.

Create an Asthma Action Plan

An asthma action plan describes your child's triggers, medicines used every day, emergency procedures, and when to get medical help. Provide a copy of the plan to the school nurse, teachers, and other school personnel caring for your child.

Inform School Staff

Talk with your child's teacher, school nurse, and administrators about caring for your child with asthma. Make sure they know:

• Your child's triggers and symptoms.
• The location of emergency medication.
• What to do in case of an asthma attack.

Make Medication Easily Accessible

Your child may need to use a rescue inhaler during the school day. Learn the school policy regarding inhaler carrying, and if necessary, leave a spare inhaler in the nurse's office.

Recognize and Reduce Triggers

Work with school staff to pinpoint potential asthma triggers, such as:

• Dust or mold in classrooms.
• Pollen exposure at recess.
• Cleaning products or potent odors.
• Symptoms caused by exercise in gym class.

Assisting Your Child in Self-Managing Their Asthma

As your child gets older, you must get your child to identify their symptoms and control their asthma independently. Ask them to inform someone if they are not feeling well and remind them to take their inhaler as instructed. Older kids can also be taught to monitor their triggers and inform you or a teacher of any differences in their symptoms.

Preparing Your Child for a Healthy School Year

Through thoughtful planning, children with asthma can have active and normal school experiences. Parents, assisted by school personnel and medical caregivers, can make their child's school setting secure and conducive to their child's intellectual and social growth without unnecessarily interrupting it because of asthma.

If you have concerns about your child's school asthma management, make an appointment with our pediatrician to discuss their care plan and prepare them for a healthy school year. Dr. Jeffrey Cabotaje and Dr. Elizabeth Wollensak at Pediatrics Unlimited in Oak Park, IL, are here to provide expert, compassionate care for your child. Call (708) 383-3010 today to schedule an appointment.