Asthma is the most common chronic condition among children, affecting one in 10 people under 18.
Every classroom will have at least one child with asthma.
Children with the condition miss on average five days of school each year, making it one of the leading causes of absenteeism.
Schools and teachers play a vital role in supporting students with asthma, helping to ensure that children can enjoy the school term safely.
There is a dramatic rise in the number of children rushed to hospital for their asthma in September each year. In order to reverse this alarming statistic, the Asthma Society of Ireland has launched our Back-to-School campaign to urge healthcare professionals, schools and parents to act now to help prevent the ‘back-to-school’ asthma epidemic. We urgently need your help to reduce the number of children admitted to hospital with asthma every September.
The Asthma Society is warning teachers to be vigilant for asthma triggers at this dangerous time of year and to talk to parents to ensure your aware of any students with asthma in your class.
We have a range of resources for schools and a helpful checklist available for parents to make the return to school as safe as possible. Asthma nurse talks can be arranged in schools on request.
There are also private companies who provide certified training for the administration of a reliever inhaler (salbutamol) to a student during an asthma attack. These training courses are in line with S.I. No. 449/2015 Medicinal Products Regulations 2015.
As always our Asthma Adviceline nurses are on hand to offer confidential advice and support on 1800 44 54 64. This is a service that schools and teachers can use, as well as parents of children with asthma.
What to Do When a Child with Asthma Joins Your Class
- Enquire from parents about their child's asthma control and current treatment. This information can be recorded on a school asthma record sheet.
- Allow the child free access to their reliever medication: older children should be allowed to carry their relievers in their pocket and in the case of younger children the reliever should be kept in the classroom in an easily accessible location. Relievers should never be locked away.
- Before exercise, remind the child to carry his/her medication. They may be shy about this, encourage positive attitudes towards pupils with medical conditions.
- On school trips encourage the child to carry his/her medication at all times. Include this information on school circulars to parents.
- Inform the child's parents if the child has an asthma exacerbation or uses their reliever medication.
- If concerned about a child with "severe symptoms" e.g. missing school or tired in class, speak with parents. Some children with severe asthma may require extra support due to days lost.
- Display an asthma attack poster in your classroom for all students to see.
For further information on:
Remember our Asthma Adviceline nurses are always available to give you confidential and tailored advice on 1800 44 54 64.
