Tips for Managing Asthma at School

Asthma is the number one reason children miss school and parents miss work. Having a plan to manage asthma helps kids stay in school.

Instructions for parents:

Ask the right questions

• What asthma triggers may your child be exposed to at school? Examples: mold, cleaning products, classroom pets, carpets

• Can your child carry and use their own medications safely?

• What is the school’s policy for carrying and using asthma medications? Most schools require a form listing any medications your child needs during the school day. Check with your child’s school for their specific form.

• Is there always a school nurse on site? If not, who helps children with health concerns?

• Who assists children with asthma during gym class, recess, or after-school activities?

• Maintain open communication with school staff about absences and catching up on schoolwork. This can help reduce the stress of managing a chronic illness.

Instructions for students:

Know your school environment. 

• Are there any triggers in the classroom? Tell someone if there are.

Have an emergency plan. 

• Give your asthma care plan to the school nurse and tell your teachers you have asthma. Make sure they know what symptoms mean that you need your medications.

Tell your friends and other classmates you have asthma.

• You are not alone; other children have asthma too. They should know to help you if you show signs of an asthma flare.

Bring your inhaler and spacer to school.

• Minutes matter when you have an asthma flare. Don’t rely on someone to bring your medicine to school after symptoms start.           

• Always use a spacer to ensure you get the full dose of medicine. Most children can’t press down on their pump and inhale at the same time.

Reviewed November 2024 by Nilesh Seshadri, MD