How to Manage a Child with Asthma at School

A complete guide to creating an asthma management plan and working with school staff to keep your child safe and active at school.

1. Work with Your Doctor to Create an Asthma Action Plan. Schedule a visit with your child's doctor before the school year starts. Ask for a written Asthma Action Plan that includes your child's specific triggers, daily medications, emergency medications, and clear instructions for different situations. This plan should list what symptoms to watch for and exactly what steps to take. Make sure you understand every part of the plan so you can explain it to school staff. Ask your doctor to provide multiple copies - you'll need them for the school nurse, teachers, and coaches.
2. Meet with School Staff Before Classes Begin. Schedule meetings with your child's teacher, school nurse, and any other staff who work closely with your child. Share the Asthma Action Plan and explain your child's specific needs. Discuss where medications will be stored and who can give them. Talk about common triggers like dust, strong smells, or physical activity. Make sure staff know the difference between your child's rescue inhaler and daily medications. Ask about the school's emergency procedures and how they'll contact you if needed.
3. Set Up Medication Storage and Access. Work with the school nurse to decide where to keep your child's rescue inhaler - many schools allow children to carry their own if they're old enough and responsible. Always provide backup medications that stay at school. Label everything clearly with your child's name, dosage, and your contact information. Check expiration dates regularly and replace medications as needed. Make sure your child knows where their medication is kept and how to ask for it quickly during an emergency.
4. Address Physical Education and Activities. Talk to PE teachers and coaches about your child's asthma. Explain that with proper management, most children with asthma can participate in sports and activities. Discuss when your child should use their rescue inhaler before exercise. Identify which activities might be more challenging and create backup plans. Make sure outdoor activities are adjusted on high pollen days or when air quality is poor. Emphasize that your child should never be excluded from activities as punishment for having asthma.
5. Prepare Your Child to Self-Advocate. Teach your child to recognize their own asthma symptoms and speak up when they need help. Practice what to say: 'I need my inhaler' or 'I'm having trouble breathing.' Help them understand their triggers and how to avoid them when possible. Role-play different scenarios so they feel confident asking teachers or friends for help. Make sure they know it's always okay to speak up about breathing problems, even if it means interrupting class or sitting out an activity.
6. Create Emergency Contact Systems. Provide the school with multiple emergency contacts and make sure these people know about your child's asthma plan. Discuss with school staff when they should call you versus when they should call 911. Make sure your work and home numbers are current, and add backup contacts like grandparents or close friends. Consider giving trusted contacts copies of the Asthma Action Plan. Ask the school to call you for any asthma-related incidents, even minor ones, so you can follow up at home.
7. Monitor and Adjust Throughout the Year. Check in regularly with your child about how they're feeling at school. Ask teachers and the school nurse for updates on any incidents or concerns. Schedule follow-up meetings if your child's needs change or if there are problems with the current plan. Keep track of any asthma episodes at school and share this information with your child's doctor. Update the Asthma Action Plan as needed, especially if medications change or new triggers are identified.