Community Pediatric Asthma Service

Asthma and School

Asthma is the most common chronic illness in children and the #1 reason for missing school in North America (linked to colds and flu).

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".

Preparing for the September Asthma Peak

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!

Our Asthma Educators have gathered a list of resources to help prepare for the September Asthma Peak.

Helpful Resources: Controlling and Preventing the September Asthma Peak; A short video about the September Spike; Back to School with Asthma (video); Preparing for back to school and the September Peak, September Spike Interview with a Calgary Emergency Physician

How to Prepare

Know where to check the expiry dates on all your asthma medicine
Children with known anaphylaxis or allergies should carry an EpiPen to school every day and remember to wear their MedicAlert bracelet or get one if they don't have one
Ask your 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

Back to School

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

Print out the poster "A child is having an asthma attack: What to do and take it to your teacher
Bring a copy of your "Me and My Asthma Information Card" for the school to put on file
Check your Asthma Action Plan and make sure you are not part of the September Peak
Tips for parents when communicating with schools about a child with asthma

On Vacation

When you are on summer vacation, don't take a vacation from your asthma medicine.

Follow your Asthma Action Plan so that you can enjoy the summer and do all the fun things you want to do
Visit our "Travelling with Asthma" section for vacation tips to manage asthma

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.

A child is having an asthma attack: What to do
Asthma Tips for Teachers, Coaches and Parents
Allergy/Anaphylaxis Management at School
Anxiety Canada has resources for anxiety in children and anxiety in youth
Food Allergy Anxiety guide from Allergic Living

Asthma Friendly Schools: Share this resource with your school if you think their asthma policies and procedures could be improved
Asthma Management in Schools, Asthma Canada
Sample letter from the school to parent with a child with asthma
Get Smart About Tobacco: Created by teachers to initiate discussion, containing worksheets and handouts for Grade 3-6 children
Triggers in school

Walk | Run | Play | Breathe
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.