Asthma: how to handle it at school?

Let the school know that your child has asthma and what medication she may need to take while she is at school. Provide the school with an Asthma Action Plan which gives them instructions on what to do when your child presents with asthma. The smaller the child then the more work the parent and teacher will need to do because often a small child doesn't recognise his asthma symptoms.

If your child is embarrassed about having asthma or is in denial about it then see if you can arrange with the school to have an asthma educator come along to talk to the children. This will make everyone more aware of the condition and make asthmatics feel more comfortable.

Children whose asthma is poorly managed will miss a lot of school. This is obviously not good for them in the long run so keep up with current asthma treatments to enable your child to have the best management possible.

A favourite with schools is cross country running in the winter. This can be an absolute nightmare for some children with asthma because running in cold air triggers an attack. Exercising to the point of asthma is self-defeating. Encourage your child to take part in regular exercise or sports at a level she can cope with. The fitter she becomes, then the better she will deal with asthma.

Parents should advise the class teacher and physical education teacher that if their child exhibits signs of asthma during exercise:

the child should be allowed to rest
use their reliever medication
not be forced to continue physical activity

School trips, especially those when they stay away from home can be a problem for both the asthmatic and the worried parents. Sprinkling eucalyptus oil on a tissue is also helpful if the room she sleeps in is musty. If you are really worried about your child then volunteer to be a parent helper and you will be able to keep an eye on what goes on.