Getting Ready for School with Asthma

All parents feel a bit anxious about sending their child off to school, but it can be even more worrying when you have to consider the impact of asthma in children. However, children with asthma are able to enjoy full and healthy lives at school as long as the right precautions are taken.

Talk to the School

Most schools are very well prepared for asthma in children, so they will be able to tell you all about their procedures and how they will look after your child. You should inform the school of your child’s condition and the medication that they need. The school may want you to meet with your child’s teacher, form tutor or the school nurse, especially if the asthma is severe. You will be able to discuss their action plan in case of an asthma attack and make sure that the school understands how the condition affects your child. The school should be able to reassure you that all of the staff know how to spot the signs of an asthma attack and know what to do in an emergency.

Medication at School

It is essential for your child’s medication to be readily available whenever it is needed, whether they are at school, home, or on a trip.

• If you child is old enough to carry and use their own inhaler, make sure that they take it with them every day. Check the inhaler regularly to ensure it has plenty of medication left and that it hasn’t expired.
• The school may ask for a spare inhaler for your child, which will be kept in a secure prescription box in case it is needed. Make sure that you label it or ideally hand it over in the box with the prescription label on it. Remember to make a note of the expiry date so you can replace it.
• Show your child’s teacher how to use the inhaler and the spacer if your child needs one. Although most teachers are familiar with asthma in children and how to use inhalers, there can be slight differences between them.
• If there are any changes to your child’s medication, make sure that you update the school and provide a new inhaler.