Parents

It's very important for Parents to be the central and link to parterships that provide the best care for their children with asthma.

Therefore, start with the basics, expand from there, ask lots of questions, and make sure your physician, school RN and daycare providers are all on the same page for your child's asthma care.

A Parent's checklist and guide for children with asthma

1. What is asthma basics?

2. What to do in an emergency & how to administer your child's medications properly

3. What are your child's asthma triggers and how to avoid or reduce them in your environment.

4. How to determine good ASTHMA CONTROL, use the Rules of Two or talk to your physician

5. Get an Asthma Action Plan from your child's doctor (one copy will stay with the Dr., one with you, and the final copy to go to the School or Daycare facility)

6. Talk face to face with your child's school nurse and teachers (including "specials" teachers like art, computers, physical education, athletic coaches, etc)

7. Ask your school about Open Airways for Schools: this is an American Lung Association program that to help teach and motivate children grades 3-5 how to better recognize and manage their asthma. For more information click here (to go to OAS page on this website)

8.Know your Rights: Asthma Inhalers...

Many children with asthma rely on inhalers to control or stop asthma episodes from worsening. But children need quick access to their inhalers.

New York Stat Education Law permits all children with asthma to carry and use their inhalers while in school with permission from a doctor and a parent or guardian. If  you believe your child needs to have direct access to his or her inhaler while in school, you will need to get permission from a physician and submit the form to yoru school officials. 

 We urge you to work with your school RN when you make your decision to allow your child to carry his or her inhaler. For more assistance please contact the American Lung Association at 1-800-LUNGUSA

RESOURCES FOR PARENTS

ALA guide to Parents of Children with Asthma

Asthma Report and research link for Parent Perceptions article PDF link

Rules of Two PDF link

Asthma Action Plan PDF link