This is a publication of the now defunct Allergy/Asthma Association of Alberta. It was prepared in cooperation with the Alberta Children's Hospital, Calgary and funded by the Wild Rose Foundation, An Alberta Government Lottery funded Foundation.

What is Asthma?

It is a condition where the airways become obstructed due to a spasm of the smooth muscle around the airways, inflammation, and increased mucous production. The symptoms are reversible but can be life-threatening if not promptly and adequately treated. Each child is individual; the triggers that affect them, the severity of their symptoms, and their response to medications are all unique. 

Treatment

Triggers

• viral illness, colds or "flu" 
• cold air 
• chalk dust 
• scented markers or stickers 
• sudden temperature changes 
• insulation 
• animals of any kind 
• exercise 
• dust 
• perfume 
• fresh paint 
• mold, mildew 
• carpets 
• pollen 

Signs to Watch For

The last four signs indicate serious breathing problems. The parents and the teacher should discuss a crisis plan to deal with these symptoms. If no alternate plan has been discussed, call 911. Make sure the child has used his medication. 
Inform the child's parents if you are noticing symptoms or if the child requires medication more often. 
Ask the child to speak a full sentence. If he is unable to do this with one breath, the child is in distress. 

Dealing with the Asthmatic Child

• Discuss the child's condition fully with the parents. Work with the parents to establish what level of physical activity the child can cope with, and what will work best for that particular child in the school routine. 
• BELIEVE THE CHILD. Do not make the child wait for medication. The child should not be compared to another child with asthma. The child's symptoms should never be belittled.

Medications

Medications may cause behaviour changes in the child such as poor attention span, tremors, irritability and lethargy. If these symptoms are causing a disruption in the child's learning experience, then this should be discussed with the parents and a possible change in medications can be made by the doctor. 

Classroom Activities

• Encourage physical activities; the level of activity the child can cope with may change daily, depending on the child's current condition. 
• The child should not be pushed to go beyond his limits. 
• The child should not be forced to continue an activity if he says he is beginning to have problems. 
• Short bursts of activity are easier to tolerate than long endurance exercises. 
• The child should not be restricted from activities without fully discussing this with the parents and the doctor. 
• Inform the parents in advance if any activities involving food or animals of any kind are being planned. 
• Plan alternative activities for the class or for the child if the original activity poses a significant health risk. The child should not just be excluded. 
• It may be helpful to have the parents go through the classroom and identify potential triggers before school starts. 
• Encourage class discussion about asthma. If the other children learn about asthma, they will more easily accept the child with asthma. 

SUMMARY

• Asthma is the most common chronic childhood ailment. 
• Asthma can be life-threatening if not promptly and adequately treated. 
• Potential triggers and responses to those triggers are varied and unique to each child. 
• Severity of symptoms and response to medication is unique to each child. 
• A close working relationship with the parents is essential to an informed, well-managed, safe classroom experience. 
• Believe the child. Children seldom fake an asthma attack; underlying factors may be affecting the child and his asthma. If you feel there is a problem with the child, discuss this with the parents; professional intervention may be necessary to deal with these factors. 
• Do not lose sight of the fact that the child with asthma is still a child. Children with asthma may have a fragile self-esteem. Being singled out as "different" from others; being excluded from activities; and having to ask for medication in front of peers - all these are factors that contribute to the child turning his chronic, reversible condition into a disability. 
• Encouragement, support and a good understanding of the problems facing children with asthma will go a long way in the positive emotional growth of these children at school. Teachers have an extremely important role in this development. 

ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION 

Terms of Use: The information on this site does not constitute medical advice and is for your general information only. We cannot be held responsible for anything you could possibly do or say because of information on this site.   Consult your family physician or allergist for specific questions or concerns.