Making school a stress-free zone
06 September 2005

Going back to school can be a stressful time – not least for parents of children with asthma.

A US study published this week reiterates past research showing that children's asthma exacerbations peak as term begins. This is thought to be due to many reasons, such as exposure to new allergens and triggers in the classroom, including colds and viruses; children's excitement or stress triggering symptoms; youngsters having to manage their own medicines for the first time, or having to rely on a teacher rather than a parent to take charge of inhalers.

However, there are some simple steps children and parents can take to ensure kids with asthma can study stress-free: 'Make sure your child's teacher knows they have asthma, knows their triggers and knows what to do if your child has symptoms,' advises Asthma UK specialist nurse Dot Russell.

'Use an Asthma UK school card to record essential details that the school needs to know about your child's health and treatments,' she recommends. 'Make sure that there is a blue reliever inhaler at school and label it clearly with your child's name. Keep your child at home if they are not well enough to attend.

'If your child's asthma is not under control they may suffer disrupted sleep, which can cause concentration problems,' says Dot Russell, 'So it's important to ensure they have regular asthma reviews with a doctor or nurse, and are taking their medicines correctly.'

On average there are three children with asthma in every classroom in the UK, and half a million children with asthma miss school at least once a month because of their symptoms. Asthma UK has guidelines for teachers on how to deal with asthma, which can be read on this website.

To order a free school card contact our Supporter & Information Team on 020 7786 5000; email info@asthma.org.uk