As the summer comes to an end, parents across Tampa Bay are preparing their children for the upcoming school year. For parents of children with asthma, this time of year can bring added stress and concern. The back-to-school period is notorious for asthma flare-ups, often triggered by a combination of new environmental factors, exposure to allergens, and the general stress of returning to school. To help ensure your child stays healthy and safe, it’s crucial to have a solid asthma care action plan in place. Here’s a checklist to guide you through the process.
⎕ Identify Your Child’s Triggers
Asthma is a chronic condition that affects the airways, making it difficult to breathe when exposed to certain triggers. These triggers can vary widely among children and might include allergens like pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or factors like cold air, exercise, or respiratory infections.
Before the school year begins, take some time to review what specifically triggers your child’s asthma. Understanding these triggers is the first step in preventing asthma attacks. Make sure your child knows what their triggers are and how to avoid them. This knowledge will empower them to take control of their condition, even when you’re not around.
⎕ Share Your Child’s Asthma Care Action Plan
An Asthma Care Action Plan is a personalized plan created by your child’s healthcare provider. It outlines what steps to take when your child is well, experiencing mild symptoms, or having an asthma attack. This plan is essential for both daily management and emergency situations.
Before school starts, schedule a visit with your child’s asthma doctor to ensure their Asthma Care Action Plan is up-to-date. This visit is also an excellent time to review any changes in medication or symptoms that may have occurred over the summer. Once updated, make multiple copies of the plan and distribute them to the school nurse, your child’s teacher, school administration, and any other important persons. You may also want to schedule an in-person meeting with school personnel. This will give you a chance to share the care plan while also answering any questions the school may have about how to properly manage your child’s asthma symptoms.
⎕ Ensure Medications Are Accessible
Medication is a cornerstone of asthma management. There are two main types of asthma medications: long-term control medications, which are taken daily to keep asthma under control, and quick-relief (rescue) medications, which are used to relieve symptoms during an asthma attack.
Before school starts, check all of your child’s asthma medications to ensure they are not expired and that there is enough supply. Make sure your child knows how to use their inhaler correctly, possibly with the assistance of a spacer device. It’s also wise to pack a spare inhaler and spacer in your child’s school bag, just in case.
You should also speak with the school nurse or administrator about keeping an extra inhaler at school and ensuring that your child has permission to carry their medication with them. Some schools may require written permission from a doctor for your child to self-carry and administer their medication.
⎕ Get Vaccinated
Respiratory infections like the flu are a significant trigger for asthma attacks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly recommends that children with asthma receive an annual flu shot. This simple step can significantly reduce the risk of an asthma flare-up triggered by the flu or other respiratory infections.
⎕ Encourage Safe Physical Activity
While asthma can make some physical activities challenging, it’s important for children to remain active. Exercise can actually help strengthen their lungs over time. However, certain precautions should be taken to ensure their safety.
Talk to your child’s doctor about whether they should use their quick-relief inhaler before participating in physical activities. Ensure your child understands the importance of warming up before exercise and cooling down afterward. Encourage them to communicate with their teacher or coach if they start feeling unwell during physical activity.
⎕ Regularly Check-In with Your Child
Once school starts, make it a habit to check in with your child daily about their asthma. Ask them if they experienced any symptoms during the day, how they felt during physical activities, and if they had any trouble accessing their medication. This regular communication will help you stay on top of their asthma management and address any issues promptly.
Asthma Treatment in Tampa Bay
The back-to-school season can be a challenging time for parents of children with asthma, but with a comprehensive asthma care action plan, you can help ensure your child’s health and safety throughout the school year. By understanding their triggers, ensuring their medications are up-to-date, and maintaining open communication with their school, you can reduce the risk of asthma flare-ups and help your child have a successful school year.
If you’re in Tampa Bay and need an asthma care specialist, AllergyTampa.com is here to help. Our board-certified physicians have the experience, knowledge, and compassion required to effectively treat your child’s asthma, including testing for triggers, developing a treatment plan, and providing proper documentation for schools. To schedule an appointment at AllergyTampa.com today, give us a call at 813-971-9743.
