Community Pediatric Asthma Service

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Asthma and School

Asthma is the most common chronic illness in children and the #1 reason for missing school in North America. Asthma hits its highest numbers when children go back to school in the Fall.

If you have asthma, we have resources here to help get you ready to go back to school.


Get ready for school!

When you start a new school year, be sure your teacher knows you have asthma.  This will help them understand that you need quick and easy access to your reliever medicine. Here are more helpful tips:

Don't Forget!

  • Know where to check the expiry dates on all asthma medicines
  • Children with known anaphylaxis or allergies should carry an epinephrine autoinjector to school every day.  Remember to wear your MedicAlert bracelet or get one if they don't have one
  • Ask your doctor, asthma educator or pharmacist to review your child's asthma medicine device technique
  • Avoid your asthma triggers and get the flu shot as soon as it is available
  • If you have any asthma questions, see your doctor or talk to your school nurse, pharmacist or asthma educator

What is the September Asthma Peak?

September has the highest number of hospital emergency visits, hospital admissions and doctor visits for asthma, which is why this time of the year is often referred to as the "September Asthma Peak".

Most children with asthma use their asthma medicine on a regular basis, but if you stopped taking your asthma preventer/controller inhalers, pills and nasal sprays during the summer, start taking them again before school starts. Emergency visits for asthma peak in mid-September, a few weeks after kids go back to school and start sharing their viruses! 

The resources below will help prepare you for going back to school and the September Asthma Peak: 

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Resources for Teachers

Teachers play an important role in the care of our child's health. With the goal of keeping teachers informed about asthma, we have found the links below very helpful.


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Material on this website has been designed for information purposes only. It should not be used in place of medical advice, instruction and/or treatment.
If you have specific questions, please consult your doctor or appropriate health care professional.