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| Vol. 21, No. 14 |
| August 1, 1999 |
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Awareness Helps Manage Asthma at School Any given classroom will have at least one student with asthma, so it is important that parents and school officials have a clear understanding of the condition. "In most cases, the student with asthma can participate in every activity," says Dr. Barbara West, an assistant professor of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine. Asthma, a chronic condition that limits the flow of air into and out of the lungs, is present in up to 10 percent of all children. It can appear at any age, and the frequency and severity of symptoms can change over time. The condition usually can be managed effectively with medications and an awareness of what can trigger symptoms. Common symptoms include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness.
Dr. West lists factors to consider in a school setting:
It is also important for classmates to learn the symptoms and to be instructed to stay calm and to alert an adult who can help the student get medication if a symptom appears.
"It boils down to whether the teacher has a good understanding of asthma," Dr. West says.
For example, the child may need to take asthma medication just prior to any physical activity, so a quick trip to the school office before PE might be necessary.
Also important are environmental concerns that can cause an asthma patient to show symptoms. Included are the presence of warm-blooded animals, high mold counts and dust mites in carpeted classrooms. Dr. West says these are issues important to all students, not just asthma patients. With a proper understanding of asthma and how to prevent and treat symptoms, school officials easily can accommodate students with the condition. "We don't want to be overprotective, but we don't want to ignore symptoms either," Dr. West says.
- LORI WILLIAMS |