Asthma & Schools

MAKING THE GRADE

Asthma is the most common chronic disease of children and one of the leading causes of school absences.  While asthma cannot currently be cured, it can be controlled and managed so that children can be active, healthy, and ready to learn.  Addressing the problem of asthma in schools is both essential and challenging – over 6 million children spend a substantial part of their week within one of California’s 9,553 public schools (California Department of Education, 2006).

Asthma management in schools encompasses a range of issues, including reducing exposures to environmental asthma triggers; identifying students with asthma; preventing and controlling asthma symptoms; and appropriately responding to asthma emergencies.  Many of these issues relate to both students and school staff.  Environmental issues related to asthma in school facilities include poor indoor air quality, faulty ventilation, indoor mold, pesticide use, allergenic landscaping, cleaning agents, animal contact, and exposures to outdoor air contaminants.  Establishing appropriate asthma training, management, and support systems within the school setting are essential to ensure that students and staff with asthma receive necessary care and support. 

California Breathing is dedicated to assisting school personnel in learning more about how to help children manage their asthma and encouraging schools and districts to adopt policies and procedures that impact the school environment.