Asthma

Asthma is one of the leading causes of school absenteeism. In an average classroom 30 students 3 students may have asthma. Several students with asthma may go undiagnosed or unidentified.

If asthma symptoms are uncontrolled, students with asthma may:

  • Lose sleep because of coughing at night and then be tired the next day at school.
  • Have a hard time in school or physical activities
  • Avoid physical activity, fearing that it may trigger an asthma attack
  • Avoid taking their asthma medication because they do not want to be seen as "different."
  • Express feelings of embarrassment, frustration and isolation.

If your child has asthma, it is very important to tell your child's school nurse, teacher, coach, and caregivers.

Please download and print the forms.

Resources and Links:

National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion websites

www.cdc.gov
www.cdc.gov/asthma
www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth/asthma/
www.cdc.gov/nceh/airpollution/
www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/asthma.htm (Asthma Fact Sheets)

American Lung Association www.lungusa.org (Open Airways for Schools)

National Association of School Nurses www.nasn.org (School Nurse Asthma Management Program)

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Indoor Air Quality Tools For Schools www.epa.gov/iaq/schools/actionkit.html (Indoor Air Quality)

For Children: BAM! - Body and Mind https://www.cdc.gov/bam/index.html

In compliance with federal law, Burke County Public Schools administers all educational programs, employment activities, and admissions without discrimination against any person based on gender, race, color, religion, national origin, age, or disability.