Asthma at School


Asthma is the leading cause of school absences due to chronic illness, accounting for 14 million missed school days each year. When children with asthma head back to school, parents need to do the homework. Here are a few reminders on preparing a child with asthma for school:
  • Make sure your child has a written Asthma Action Plan, and that the school nurse has a copy on file. Also, call the school to obtain any forms you may need to sign to allow your child to carry medication at school.
  • Help your child practice administering his or her asthma medication, and make sure your child understands how important it is to keep the medicine close by at all times.
  • If possible, keep an extra quick-relief inhaler with the school nurse.
  • Talk with teachers to make sure they understand your child's ‘triggers.'
  • Remind your children of the importance of general hygiene to ward off upper respiratory infections that exacerbate asthma symptoms.
  • Remember to get your child an annual flu vaccination. Kids with asthma are at increased risk for upper respiratory viral infections, including the flu.

Right to carry law

As of August 2010, children in Illinois are allowed to carry and administer their quick-relief asthma inhalers at school without a note from a doctor. Instead, students now only need to submit note from a parent or guardian and a copy of their prescription. 

If your child has asthma, save the package that his or her asthma inhaler comes in from the pharmacy, which should include the prescription label. The school will need to see this packaging and will have a consent form for parents and guardians to sign. You can contact your child's school before classes begin to receive a copy of the necessary paperwork. 

More Information

Our What You Need to Know about Preparing for School With Asthma resource sheet is available in English and Spanish as a printer-friendly PDF. Find more information in our Asthma Library.

Our Asthma in Chicago report features pieces from researchers, community members and health professionals addressing disparities in asthma prevalence, community perspectives on the disease and suggested interventions to improve the experience of people living with asthma in Chicago.

Asthma by the Numbers features facts about asthma prevalence, impact and cost. 

For more information, contact Marc Rosen:
Email Marc
(312) 628-0229