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Working with your child's school
Children with asthma often have symptoms at school, so it is very important that school personnel be involved in prevention and care. This is true even if the child does not need to take asthma medicines at school. Since most schools have numerous children with the condition, chances are good that a number of teachers and the school nurses will be experienced at handling it. Still, it is important to take some steps to ensure that the child's condition is properly managed:
- Talk to your child and explain as much about the disease as is understandable. Depending on age and maturity, he or she should ideally be able to keep track of when it is time to take medicine, use the inhaler properly, and use a peak-flow meter, understand what the reading means, and know what to do if that number is too low.
- Tell school officials about the child's asthma, including how severe it is, what the triggers are, and what medications are used. Be sure they know how to properly administer the medication, how to use the peak-flow meter, and what to do in case of an asthma attack. A copy of your child's asthma action plan should be available to each person who has direct contact with your child throughout the day.
- Check the child's classroom, and other areas where he or she spends time, for asthma triggers. If you identify possible triggers (dust mites are common triggers in a classroom, for example, as well as chalk dust and pets), work with the teacher to reduce exposure.
- Provide all medicines to the school nurse, along with the proper instructions, and restock on a regular basis.
- Check with school personnel every few months to make sure medications are still available and the personnel are comfortable with your child's care plan.
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