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Asthma is one of the main reasons that kids miss school. In the U.S., kids miss more than 13 million schooldays each year because of asthma, according to the CDC.
But well-managed asthma is far less likely to cause a sick day. When kids' asthma is under control, they have far fewer flare-ups.
Work with your doctor to create a written or electronic asthma action plan that will tell you what medicines your child needs to take, how they should take them, what triggers to avoid, and more. Share the plan with the school staff.
At the start of each school year, meet with your child's teacher and other school staff to talk about the plan, including:
A supportive school environment that helps kids take charge of their own care is important. Without it, kids might avoid taking their medicines. Encourage the school's staff to help your child settle into a comfortable routine.
Ideally, medicine that works quickly to relieve symptoms (called quick-relief, rescue, or fast-acting medicine) should be available right away when kids with asthma need it. For students who aren't old enough to take the medicine on their own, this means that the teacher keeps it in the classroom or it's quickly available (not locked up) in the school nurse's office.
When kids are old enough to know how and when to take their medicine, they should carry it at all times, if the school allows. Your doctor can help you decide when your child should be responsible for the medicine.
Talk to school officials about what they allow. Stress the importance of your child getting treatment right away during an asthma flare-up. If they let your child take the medicine on their own, they might ask you to sign an "asthma contract." This might say that you give permission for your child to take medicine and, if needed, who can give it to your child. They should also know when to contact you or call 911 if your child has a severe flare-up.
Part of avoiding flare-ups is to avoid triggers like mold, animal dander, and chalk dust. Let the school staff know your child's triggers. You also might:
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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