As the school year begins, it’s easy to focus on supplies, schedules and new routines. But if your child has asthma, one of the most important back-to-school tasks is updating their asthma action plan.
An asthma action plan is a written guide that helps school staff know how to manage your child’s asthma. It outlines their symptoms, medications and what to do during an asthma attack. Having an updated plan helps teachers, school nurses, coaches and other school staff respond quickly and confidently if your child needs help.
Fall is one of the busiest seasons for asthma flare-ups, especially in children. New germs, more time indoors and changes in routine can trigger symptoms, and Georgia’s lingering heat and humidity can make them worse. Sharing an updated asthma plan with your child’s school can help prevent serious problems.
What to include in your child’s plan
Your child’s asthma action plan should be created by their primary care provider or asthma specialist. It breaks symptoms down into zones – green (doing well), yellow (caution) and red (emergency) – so the school and your child know what to do and when.
The plan should clearly outline:
- Daily medications
- Asthma triggers
- Early warning signs, such as coughing or wheezing
- When to use a rescue inhaler
- Emergency instructions
- Parent and healthcare provider contact information
Also, make sure your child has access to their medication at school. Talk with the school nurse about where inhalers will be kept and whether your child is allowed to carry one if they’re old enough.
It’s also important to help your child recognize their symptoms and speak up if they don’t feel well.
Encourage them to tell a teacher, coach or school nurse right away if they’re having trouble breathing.
A little preparation can help your child stay focused on learning instead of their asthma. An updated asthma action plan gives parents, children and school staff confidence that everyone knows what to do if symptoms arise.
If you have questions, or if your child needs a primary care provider, I’d be happy to help. Visit ngpg.org/downer to learn more or schedule an appointment with me.
About Dr. Downer
Dr. Kerese Downer is a family medicine physician at Northeast Georgia Physicians Group Winder. She completed her family medicine residency at Northeast Georgia Medical Center and enjoys caring for patients of all ages. Outside of work, she loves spending time with her husband and two young children, hiking, boating, traveling and cooking.
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