Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that causes repeated episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing. Asthma ranges from mild intermittent to severe persistent, death can even occur if not treated. Asthma “attacks” are usually caused by exposure to environmental asthma triggers. Every child with asthma has different environmental triggers. It is vital to identify these triggers to reduce asthma attacks at school.

Asthma is the leading cause of school absenteeism due to chronic illness. During the past 20 years, the number of school absence due to asthma has more than doubled. The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that nationwide 14 million school days were missed due to asthma in 2000. Just about one in 13 children have asthma, with asthma rates increasing most rapidly in preschool-aged children. School-based asthma management programs can help children with asthma experience fewer symptoms and perform better at school.

The average age of our school buildings in the United States is 42 years. Many of the buildings need upgrades or repairs. Ventilation systems are inadequate and outdated. Now consider that twenty percent of the U.S. population, nearly 55 million children and adults, spend their days in elementary or secondary schools. According to the U. S. General Accounting Office, the estimated percentage of schools in the Midwest with an unsatisfactory environmental condition of indoor air quality is 18.4 percent. This affects approximately 2,893,000 students and teachers. Children are more sensitive to air pollutants because they breathe at a faster rate than adults, absorbing more pollutants per pound of body weight. This makes good indoor air quality important for every child.

Select a room to locate asthma triggers. Triggers will vary by room, so take a tour of each room.

Communication between families and school personnel is key to managing childhood asthma. Through education and understanding children with asthma can lead healthy, active lives. Choose one of the selected groups below for specific information on how you can help identify and reduce asthma triggers in schools.

Children with asthma have disease symptoms that could substantially limit one or more major life activities. This may qualify as a disability when diagnosed by a physician. These regulations ensure the general health and safety of the school environment; allow children with asthma to carry and self-administer medication with the appropriate documentation; and the right to federally funded services.

Regulations