What the Teacher Should Know About Asthma Attacks

by Rich Mintzer

During recess in a New Jersey public school, a seven-year-old tells his teacher that his chest feels heavy. The teacher, knowing the child has asthma, agrees that he should sit out the game and recommends he use his inhaler.

As the number of school children with asthma grows at an alarming rate, this type of scenario is not unusual. According to the National Association of School Nurses, asthma is now one of the leading causes of absenteeism, but it doesn't have to be. As parents you can help your child and her teachers work together so that both are well versed in handling an asthma episode.

Talk to the teacher

Renee Spzorn, a New Jersey school teacher, is the mother of a nine-year-old boy with asthma. She recommends that parents discuss the triggers of their child's asthma with their child's teacher. "In the case of my son Ari, I sent a note to his teachers explaining that he has an inhaler and knows how to use it. I also let them know that cold triggers his asthma and that I didn't want him outside for recess on cold days." Ms. Spzorn emphasizes the importance of being able to recognize the early warning signs of a student's asthma attack - like shortness of breath, coughing, increased breathing rate, and wheezing.

Managing medications

Teachers and school administrators also need to know what medications a child needs -- many school districts require signed doctor's orders for any medication to be taken in school. Parents should also make teachers aware of the side effects a medication might cause. Dr. Pollowitz, Allergy and Immunology Specialist in Scarsdale, New York and Chief of Allergy at White Plains Hospital, says, "Some of the medication can affect behavioral learning. Fortunately a lot of the most common medications used today don't have side effects, but some will cause hyperactivity or restlessness. Schools need to be aware of that."

School responsibility

"By law, schools are responsible", says Dr. Pollowitz. "The law sets up the onus that the schools have to make sure children are adequately managed while they are attending school. That, however, does not mean the parents are not also responsible to their children, even when they are at school."

Often it is the school nurse who manages students' medications. However, schools without a nurse should have other personnel trained to deal with such medical situations. Since asthma is so common, many parent-school organizations have developed a school action plan for asthma management. This plan, often instituted by parents or the PTA, can easily be developed and should include procedures for administering medications, an action plan for asthma episodes, and emergency procedures and phone numbers.

Communication goes two ways

"Communication between parents, schools, and children is the most important factor. Parents must be strong advocates for their kids," says Dr. Pollowitz. Adds New York City school teacher Kathy Lewis, "It's very important for parents to make the effort to let us know. I get 30 record cards of the kids in my class, and many times it doesn't say anything about asthma. I didn't find out one girl had it until I was told she wouldn't be coming to school for a few days because she was in the hospital."

Teachers also need to communicate with parents. Asthmatic attacks very often result from exercise, and parents may not know that their children experience symptoms during afternoon recess period. If a child is constantly out of breath after a few minutes of playing basketball, the teacher should let the parents know. Asthma is growing at a rapid rate. It has become one of the most significant health concerns for children under 18. Parents of children with asthma must know that their concern is carried over into the classroom. Start the communication process and keep the lines open.

Related Links
American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology

Allergy and Asthma Network/Mothers of Asthmatics

More on: Healthy Kids