What’s missing from your back-to-school plan?
Every fall, kids’ asthma emergencies surge after returning to school. Before kids head back to the classroom, parents and teachers need to ask themselves: What’s missing from our back-to-school plan?
We created this page with guidance from our team of Certified Respiratory Educators. Questions? We’re just an email away!
What is the ‘September Spike’?
The ‘September Spike’ refers to a dangerous increase in pediatric asthma attacks and flare-ups that happen soon after kids and teens return to the classroom. In some regions, this phenomenon is called the “Autumn Spike”, Week 38, or “September Asthma Peak”.
Some of the causes include respiratory viruses, environmental allergies, indoor triggers, and inconsistent asthma control over the summer.
DID YOU KNOW?
Asthma is the most common chronic illness in children and the #1 reason they miss school. 900,000 Canadian kids and youth live with asthma.
KIDS’ ASTHMA MANAGEMENT CHECKLIST
Managing asthma effectively requires daily attention, especially during high-risk periods like the September Spike. As families prepare for the busy back-to-school season, it’s often the small but essential details that get missed:
What’s missing? An Asthma Action Plan
If your child doesn’t already have a written Asthma Action Plan, start here! Get the Action Plan filled in by your healthcare provider. You need to know how to recognize worsening asthma and what steps to take to get it under control. Download yours here.
What’s missing? Consistent controller medication use
These medicines work long-term to prevent symptoms. Skip to our handy video how-to lessons, and don’t forget your spacer! Also known as a valved holding chamber, these devices help get the medicine where it needs to go.
What’s missing? Easy access to a reliever inhaler
Your child should always have quick access to their fast-acting reliever inhaler. This inhaler, usually blue, can quickly soothe asthma symptoms, providing immediate relief. Don’t forget to use a “spacer” (valved holding chamber), such as the AeroChamber®
What’s missing? Asthma trigger awareness
Asthma triggers are things that can cause worsening of asthma symptoms such as pollen, dust mites, stress, physical activity, cold air, acute viruses, or smoke. Talk to your child about their triggers and teach them how to avoid them, if possible.
What’s missing? Hand hygiene!
Educate your children on the correct technique and importance of washing their hands regularly to prevent infections. When a sink isn’t available, hand sanitizer is a good alternative.
What’s missing? Protection against respiratory illnesses
It is highly recommended that every member of your family is up to date on their vaccination. This not only reduces the risk of illnesses like the flu but also helps prevent complications.
What's missing? A conversation with the school
When school starts, make sure your child’s teacher and principal have a written overview of your child’s asthma. Share their Asthma Action Plan, explain triggers and symptoms to watch for, and ensure staff know where medication is kept and how it can be accessed in an emergency.
DEEPEN YOUR KNOWLEDGE:
This poster was designed in collaboration with our partners at Asthma Canada. It’s designed to guide teachers in recognizing the signs of an asthma attack and shows the steps to take to keep students safe until help arrives. Download, print, and share it with your teacher or principal!
Don’t miss these warning signs of poor asthma control
These are just a few of the signs to watch out for. If you spot any, refer to your Asthma Action Plan to know what to do to get it under control.
Reliever reliance
Reaching for their reliver more than twice per week. (TIP: Reliever medications are crucial, but they only relieve symptoms for a short time. They shouldn’t be doing all the work in your asthma care routine! )
Night-time symptoms
Any nighttime symptoms including coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath.
Missing regular activities or school
Having to miss school or an activity because of asthma symptoms.
Day-time Symptoms
Coughing, wheezing, being short of breath or having chest tightness more than two times a week.
DEEPEN YOUR KNOWLEDGE:
There are more signs and symptoms you should know about. For a deeper dive, check out page 22 of the Lung Health Foundation’s Asthma in Children, a comprehensive resource that covers topics like triggers, medications, and tools.
How to use your inhaler
Find your device:
Proper inhaler technique is everything! The Lung Health Foundation has curated a selection of videos to help you ensure that more of your medication reaches the lungs. Find your device below:
MDI with Spacer
Metered dose inhalers, or MDIs, spray out a puff of medicine into the spacer. The medicine is then inhaled from the spacer deep into the lungs.
MDI with Spacer and Mask
For younger children, an MDI is best used with a spacer that includes a mask, which fits over their nose and mouth.
Diskus
A diskus inhaler delivers medication in the form of a dry powder, which is inhaled deep into the lungs.
Turbuhaler
A turbuhaler delivers medication in the form of a dry powder, which is inhaled deep into the lungs.
Nebulizer
A nebulizer uses air pressure to turn liquid medicine into a mist that is then inhaled deep into the lungs through a face mask or mouthpiece.
DID YOU KNOW?
To get the medication where it needs to go, a “spacer” (valved holding chamber), such as the AeroChamber Plus® Flow-Vu® Spacer, is a must for anyone using a metered-dose inhaler. They can be purchased from most pharmacies and may be covered by your provincial health plan.
What’s in your ‘pack?
When it comes to navigating school or daycare for kids with asthma, be prepared with these essentials:
- Reliever inhaler with spacer device: Having quick access to rescue medication is crucial
- Extra tissues and hand sanitizer: Help slow the spread of contagious illnesses
- A copy of their Asthma Action Plan: As the school year begins, consider sharing a copy of your child’s Asthma Action Plan with their teacher, principal, or daycare provider
Sports, or sidelines?
If asthma is stopping a child from staying active, that’s a signal their asthma is not under control. Our Play Prepared page has comprehensive tips for families AND coaches to help children with asthma stay active, stay confident, and stay in the game — at school, at practice, and on the pitch.
NOTE: Most children who have their asthma under control won’t have to use a reliever puffer before physical activity or exercise. Cut the confusion by asking your healthcare provider to include these instructions when filling out your child’s Asthma Action Plan!
DEEPEN YOUR KNOWLEDGE:
Asthma Active is a print-ready book of puzzles, games and information that teaches children how to control their asthma and stay active. Flip to page 13 for a kid-friendly version of the tips above!
The content on this page has been reviewed by a Registered Respiratory Therapist who has been specially trained as a Certified Respiratory Educator.
This pediatric asthma awareness initiative was made possible through a partnership between the Lung Health Foundation, The Mitchell and Kathryn Baran Family Foundation, Trudell Medical International and Trudell Healthcare Solutions.
