An asthma action plan is written with the help of the child s doctor, and includes the child s asthma triggers, asthma early warning signs and what to do in an emergency. Approximately 5 million children in the United States have asthma. It s a big mistake to send a child to school without telling anyone they have asthma, explains Epi Mazzei, R.N., LUNG LINE manager at National Jewish Medical and Research Center. Asthma triggers vary by person, but can include exercise, molds and pollens, perfume, cologne and strong odors, and cold air. Other asthma triggers that aren t so obvious include byproducts of new construction, such as dust, and strong odors from new carpeting, flooring and other building materials.
Kids know when they aren t feeling well.
Encourage the child to be proactive. For children with serious asthma, LUNG LINE recommends they carry a rescue inhaler. It s used when the child experiences symptoms such as wheezing, excessive coughing or chest tightness. Parents can be proactive by meeting the child s teacher or the school nurse before the school year starts and explaining the asthma action plan. We always tell parents to call the contact person a couple of weeks after the meeting to see if they have questions.