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Helping Kids with Asthma in School and at Home
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Childhood Asthma
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Part of controlling childhood asthma involves controlling our children's environments by limiting exposure to "triggers" as best we can.
Jump to School Information
Common triggers in the home:
 Cold air
Tobacco smoke
Wood smoke
Perfume
Paint
Hair spray
Strong odors or fumes
Allergens (particles that cause allergies)
Dust mites, pollen, molds, pollution, and animal dander - tiny scales or particles that fall off hair, feathers or skin - and saliva from any pets
Common cold
Influenza
Other respiratory illnesses
If you know your child's triggers, cutting down exposure to them may help avoid asthma and allergy attacks (episodes). Try keeping a "Trigger Diary" to help you identify your child's sensitivities.
Here are some ways parents can help in the home environment:
 Vacuum regularly. A vacuum cleaner with a high efficiency air filter or a central vacuum cleaner with a collection bag outside the home may be of some value. Anyone with asthma or allergies should avoid vacuuming. If vacuuming must be done, a dust mask may help.
 Dust mites are a common trigger - remove dust frequently and use dust covers for child's mattress and pillows. If asthma/allergy symptoms seem to become worse at night, pay special attention to the child's bedroom.
Never smoke or let others smoke near your child or in your home.
Wood smoke is a problem for children and adults with asthma and allergies. Avoid wood stoves and fireplaces.
If possible, use air filters and air conditioners -- and properly maintain them -- to make your home cleaner and more comfortable.
Avoid household temperatures that are too hot or too cold.
Allow only "safe" pets such as tropical fish, lizards, and turtles. If the pet stays in the home, keep it out of the bedroom of anyone with asthma or allergies. Weekly pet baths may help cut down the amount of pet saliva and dander in the home. Sometimes you hear that certain cats or dogs are "non-allergenic." There really is no such thing as a "non-allergenic" cat or dog, especially if the pet leaves dander and saliva in the home.
Eliminate cockroaches. Small pieces of dead roaches and roach droppings settle in house dust and can end up in the air you breathe. If after taking precautions to prevent roach infestation, you still have a problem, choose a pesticide and use it safely. Follow directions on the label. Baits are less likely than sprays or foggers to harm your lungs.
Molds can be a problem in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements especially when humidity is high. Make sure these areas have good air circulation and are cleaned often.
—Remove carpeting in the bedroom.
—Use a dehumidifier in damp basements. And remember, the water in the dehumidifier must be emptied and the container cleaned often to prevent forming mildew.
—Molds may form on foam pillows when you perspire. To prevent mold, wash the pillow every week, dry thoroughly and make sure to change it every year.
 —Molds also form in houseplants, so check them often. You may have to keep all plants outdoors.
Take a positive approach to your child's problem. Learning asthma control can be a stepping-stone for your child's personal development. Your child will gain confidence as he or she learns to control the asthma.
Jump to Home Information
Controlling Asthma in the schools:
 While the triggers may be the same for schools as in the home, gaining cooperation of school officials is simply a matter of education.
Schools should:
Limit outdoor air sources, such as pollen, dust, fungal spores, industrial emissions, and vehicle emissions
Control underground sources, such as radon; pesticides; and leakage from underground storage tanks
Maintain Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment
Limit Emissions from office equipment, shops, and labs
Learn about safe Cleaning processes and Pesticides
Avoid "stuffed" furnishings
Remove carpeting
The American Lung Association has a program for school officials, nurses and students available nation wide called "Open Airways for Schools". Also, "IAQ Tools for Schools" understand the importance of indoor air quality issues to the health of their schools.
Ways Parents can help in the school environment:
Ensure that children take medications as prescribed. Just because they feel better, don't stop taking preventative meds.
Alert school officials of allergies and triggers.
Supply medications with administrative supplies such as spacer, epi-pen, etc. for emergencies situations.
Children with severe asthma and allergies should wear a bracelet or other tag that alerts emergency medical personnel to conditions.
Encourage your child to play and participate, but understand physical limitations.
Ensure that teachers, coaches and instructors understand child's limitations.
Teach your child to avoid triggers in school.
 Take a positive approach to your child's problem. Learning asthma control can be a stepping-stone for your child's personal development. Your child will gain confidence as he or she learns to control the asthma.
Related Articles:
Childhood Asthma
Brochiolitis
When to take my child to the Emergency Room
Kids Under Stress
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