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 (associated with 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".
School & COVID-19
School is looking different this year. Here are some excellent resources for parents and children to help make the transition.
- The Strong Mind, Strong Me program is being offered by the University of Calgary to support children and their families in the Calgary area who have been impacted by the COVID-19 situation.
- COVID-19: A parents Guide to the school year (Alberta Health Services)
- Kids ask their questions about COVID-19 (video)
- All about masks: Back to School with a mask; Wearing a mask, from the Asthma Clinic at the Alberta Children's Hospital; Wear a mask like a hero!; How to breathe easier while wearing a mask
- COVID-19 Return to School for Children with Respiratory Illness: FAQs
In and Out of 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
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.
When you are getting ready to go back to school, check your Asthma Action Plan and make sure you are not part of the September Peak. September is the time of year with the most Emergency Room visits for asthma.
The September 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 made a list of helpful tips to help prepare for the September Asthma Peak:
- A short video about the September Spike
- Know where to check the expiry dates on all your asthma medicine
- Children with known anaphylaxis should carry an EpiPen to school every day
- Children with allergies should carry their EpiPen with them at all times. They should also 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
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:
- A child is having an asthma attack: What to do
- Allergy/Anaphylaxis Management at School
- Anxiety Canada has resources for anxiety in children and anxiety in youth
- Food Allergy Anxiety guide from Allergic Living (excellent resourceavailable for purchase)
- 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
- Asthma Action Plans
- Asthma Tips for Teachers, Coaches and Parents
- Sample letter from school to parent for child with asthma
- Communicating with schools
- Preparing for back to school and the September Peak, September Spike Interview with a Calgary Emergency Physician
- Tools for Teachers and Schools provided by AlbertaQuits
- 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.