| 
It is a good idea to visit your doctor to review your child’s Asthma Action Plan before school starts.
When children return to school they are exposed to more respiratory viruses from classmates,
triggering asthma symptoms. The result is often an increase in the number of asthma attacks
and hospital visits during the third week in September, phenomena that is referred to as the
‘September Peak’. It is important that the school be aware that your child has asthma and
that your child’s medications must be readily available to deal with any change in symptoms.
For those with both hay-fever and asthma, this can be a very trying time. Avoid triggers
if possible. Hay-fever season ends with the first good frost. Meanwhile outdoor mould
is thriving due to rain combined with falling leaves and other debris. Ask that the
classroom windows be kept closed and that any school pets be kept out of the classrooms.
The Asthma Society is encouraging parents, teachers, principals, coaches and school
nurses to work closely together to ensure that the school is a safe environment for learning, exercise
and play. Classroom teachers, physical education teachers and principals need to recognized the early
warning signs and symptoms of asthma in their students and to communicate that information to parents.
Asthma experts agree that even mild asthma symptoms are a sign that a person's asthma is not under
control. To learn more about what the teachers and the parents can do, download the following
resources:
*Fall is flu season so make an appointment to have the flu shot in late October or early November.
|
