Lung Association: Going Back to School With Asthma Shouldn’t Cause Anxiety

    CHICAGO, Aug. 15 /EMWNews/ -- As the school bells get

ready to ring, parents and other caregivers of children who have asthma

should prepare for a possible peak in asthma episodes (also known as

attacks or exacerbations). According to the American Lung Association of

the Upper Midwest, the greatest number of asthma hospitalizations occurs in

the fall, usually September.







    The fall increase may be caused by respiratory infections, increased

pollen, and outdoor mold counts. Children going back to school also have

more contact with other children in an indoor environment, possibly

increasing their exposure to viral and bacterial respiratory infections

which can lead to an asthma episode.



    "Parents and guardians can prepare for this possible increase in asthma

episodes by scheduling a 'well-asthma' visit with the child's asthma

provider," said Harold Wimmer, CEO of the American Lung Association of the

Upper Midwest. "At this visit, health care providers should review or

develop an Asthma Action Plan for the child."



    According to the Lung Association, parents and guardians should:



    -- Obtain an up-do-date Asthma Action Plan from the health care

provider and forward copies to the school health office and/or childcare

provider.



    -- Ensure the child has rescue medications (often called albuterol) and

holding chambers (also called spacers) available at home and

school/childcare. Make sure rescue medication inhalers are not outdated or

empty.



    -- Ensure the child has access to his/her asthma medications and knows

how to use them.



    -- Reduce exposure to things that could trigger an asthma attack such

as allergens and secondhand smoke.



    -- Schedule an influenza vaccine appointment when the vaccine is

available.



    -- Teach children to wash their hands frequently with soap and water

both at home and school.



    Children whose asthma is well-controlled can participate in all

activities just like anyone else, including sports, gym and other aerobic

type activities by following an Asthma Action Plan and providers'

instructions. Signs that a child's asthma is well-controlled include:



    -- Ability to participate in all physical activities without developing

asthma symptoms.



    -- Sleeping through the night without episodes of coughing and

wheezing.



    -- No missed school days due to asthma or other respiratory illnesses.



    -- No emergency room, urgent care or unscheduled provider office

visits.



    If your child is having symptoms or asthma episodes, the American Lung

Association of the Upper Midwest advises parents and caregivers to schedule

an appointment with the child's health care provider as soon as possible to

resolve these issues. Registered nurses and respiratory therapists can also

answer your questions about asthma and other lung diseases free of charge:

contact 1-800-LUNG-USA for more details.