This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.

American Lung Association develops back-to-school asthma checklist

Forming a detailed action plan for potential asthma-related situations is recommended in a checklist published recently by the American Lung Association.

The action plan should contain details about the child’s asthma symptoms and medications, along with information about what to do when prescribed medication does not adequately control the episode. The plan should also note medications required before exercise.

The American Lung Association (ALA) recommends that children have a checkup doctor’s appointment, even if the child’s asthma is under control. The checkup should include a review of medications and recommended physical activity levels.

Parents are also urged to vaccinate themselves and their children against seasonal influenza. ALA officials said immunizations should begin in September, or whenever the vaccine becomes available, and that vaccination has not been shown to trigger an asthma attack. Parents also should be aware of prescription assistance services, should asthma medications be too costly.

The association recommends that parents get involved. They should visit the child’s school nurse and teachers, know the school’s asthma action plan and advocate for the child’s right to carry medications.

The ALA offers a number of programs to facilitate asthma education. Students are urged to participate in the Open Airways for Schools and the Kickin’ Asthma programs; parents are encouraged to review the Make Your Medical Visits More Satisfying program; and school staff may benefit from Asthma 101 or by reading the Asthma-Friendly Schools Initiative Toolkit.

Information on all of these programs can be found on the ALA website at www.lungusa.org.

Follow the PediatricSuperSite.com on Twitter.