Managing Asthma During Back-to-School Season: Top 7 Strategies to Prevent Attacks

August 25, 2025

As the new school year begins, health professionals are reporting a concerning rise in Asthma cases among children. A recent alert, initially highlighted by health insurance providers on August 18th, has prompted the advocacy group, the Gregory Pariente Foundation, to issue seven critical recommendations for preventative action.

Understanding the Back-to-School Asthma Pattern

The increase in asthma episodes is linked to several factors. These include the interruption of consistent treatment regimens during summer breaks, a surge in viral infections as communities reconvene, exposure to allergens within school environments, and elevated levels of potentially irritating compounds like formaldehyde in classrooms.These compounds act as indicators of volatile organic compounds and mold, both of which can trigger asthma symptoms.

Seven Recommendations for Asthma Management

1. Recognize Early Warning Signs

Parents and children must be vigilant in identifying the initial indicators that asthma control is diminishing.These signals include difficulty breathing, wheezing, and nighttime awakenings due to respiratory distress. prompt recognition is the frist step toward preventing a full-blown asthma attack.

2. Resume Regular Treatment

One of the primary contributors to the back-to-school asthma peak is the discontinuation of daily maintenance medications during the holiday period. Experts strongly advise resuming all prescribed asthma and allergy treatments before classes resume. Consistency is key to maintaining long-term control.

3. Minimize Allergen Exposure

Classrooms can harbor various allergens. To protect children, the Gregory Pariente Foundation suggests avoiding shared items like coats and being mindful of close contact with others in hallways. Reducing allergen exposure can significantly decrease the likelihood of triggering an asthma episode.

4. Practice Good Hygiene

Simple measures like regular handwashing, coughing into the elbow, and avoiding the sharing of personal items-such as water bottles-can help limit the spread of viruses that often exacerbate asthma. Schools should prioritize proper ventilation by opening windows for at least 10 minutes before students arrive and during breaks.

5. Stress Management Techniques

Incorporating family exercises focused on slow, deep breathing can help children manage stress and improve respiratory function. This practice not only promotes relaxation but also enhances the nervous system’s ability to cope with triggers. Did you know? Studies suggest a link between stress and asthma exacerbations, though more research is needed to fully understand the connection.

6. Annual Flu Vaccination

Receiving an annual flu vaccine is a crucial preventative measure. Asthma patients are particularly vulnerable to severe complications from influenza, including pneumonia. Flu vaccination significantly reduces the risk of hospitalization for those with asthma.

7.Collaborate with School officials

Before the school year begins, parents should meet with school administrators to provide a personalized asthma action plan developed with their child’s doctor. This ensures that school staff are equipped to manage the child’s treatment and provide appropriate support in case of an emergency.

Recent data from SOS Doctor in 2024 indicated a simultaneous increase in asthma-related visits for children under 15 and anxiety-related consultations for those aged 11-17. This suggests a potential link between emotional well-being and respiratory health, highlighting the importance of addressing both physical and mental health needs.

Risk Factor	Mitigation Strategy
Treatment Interruption	Resume medication before school starts
Viral Infections	Good hygiene, flu vaccination
Allergens	Avoid sharing, classroom cleaning
Stress	Breathing exercises, open communication

Long-Term Asthma Management

Managing asthma effectively is an ongoing process. Alongside these back-to-school strategies, consistent monitoring of lung function, regular check-ups with a healthcare provider, and adherence to prescribed medication regimens are essential for maintaining optimal respiratory health. Pro Tip: Keep a detailed asthma diary to track symptoms, triggers, and medication usage to help identify patterns and improve management.

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), nearly 25 million Americans, including over 6 million children, have asthma. Proper management can significantly improve quality of life and reduce the burden of this chronic condition. Learn more at the AAFA website.

Frequently Asked Questions About Asthma and School

• What is the main cause of asthma flare-ups at the start of the school year? The primary cause is frequently enough the interruption of regular asthma treatment during the summer break.
• How can I help my child manage stress related to school? Encourage relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises and open communication about their feelings.
• Is a flu shot vital for children with asthma? Yes, a flu shot is highly recommended as asthma patients are at increased risk of severe complications from the flu.
• What should I do if my child has an asthma attack at school? Ensure the school has a copy of your child’s asthma action plan and knows how to administer their medication.
• How can schools improve air quality to help students with asthma? Schools can improve air quality through regular cleaning, proper ventilation, and reducing exposure to irritants like strong fragrances.
• What are the early warning signs of an asthma attack? Look for symptoms like difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing, and tightness in the chest.
• What role does environmental control play in asthma management? Minimizing exposure to allergens and irritants, such as dust mites, pollen, and smoke, is a crucial part of controlling asthma symptoms.

What are your experiences with managing asthma in children? Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!

How can parents proactively collaborate with school staff to identify and minimize potential asthma triggers in the classroom environment?

1.Update Your Asthma Action Plan with Your Healthcare Provider

the start of a new school year is the perfect time to revisit your child’s asthma action plan.this plan, developed with your doctor, outlines daily management, what to do when symptoms worsen, and emergency contact details. According to the National heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), a well-defined plan is crucial for controlling asthma symptoms (https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/asthma/treatment-action-plan).

Schedule an appointment: Before school starts, schedule a check-up to review medications and ensure the plan is current.

Review triggers: Discuss potential asthma triggers specific to the school environment (e.g., dust, mold, allergens, cleaning products).

Emergency contacts: Confirm all emergency contact information is up-to-date.

2. Medication Management: Consistency is Key

Consistent use of asthma medications – both speedy-relief (rescue inhalers) and long-term control medications – is paramount.

Daily controllers: Ensure your child takes thier daily controller medications as prescribed,even when they are feeling well. These medications reduce airway inflammation and prevent symptoms.

Rescue inhaler access: Confirm your child has immediate access to their rescue inhaler at all times – in the classroom (with proper authorization), during physical education, and on the school bus.

proper inhaler technique: Regularly review and practice proper inhaler technique with your child to maximize medication effectiveness. Spacers can be especially helpful, especially for younger children.

3. School environment: Identifying and Minimizing Triggers

Schools can harbor various asthma triggers. Proactive communication with school staff is essential.

Allergens: Discuss potential allergen exposure (pollen, dust mites, pet dander) with the school nurse and teachers.

Irritants: Inquire about cleaning products, air fresheners, and other potential irritants used in the classroom. Advocate for fragrance-free environments when possible.

Mold & Mildew: Report any visible mold or mildew to school administration for remediation.

Outdoor Air Quality: Be aware of daily air quality reports, especially during peak pollen seasons or days with high pollution levels. Limit outdoor activities when air quality is poor.

4. Physical Activity & Exercise-Induced Asthma

Many children with asthma can participate fully in physical activities. However, exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) is common.

Pre-exercise medication: Your doctor may recommend a quick-relief inhaler 15-30 minutes before exercise.

Warm-up & cool-down: Encourage a thorough warm-up and cool-down period before and after physical activity.

Activity modification: In certain specific cases, modifying the intensity or duration of exercise might potentially be necessary.

Communicate with PE teachers: Inform physical education teachers about your child’s asthma and their action plan.

5.respiratory Infections: Prevention & Early Intervention

Respiratory infections, like colds and the flu, are major asthma triggers.

Vaccinations: Ensure your child is up-to-date on all recommended vaccinations,including the annual flu vaccine and COVID-19 boosters.

Hand hygiene: Teach and reinforce frequent handwashing with soap and water.

Avoid sick contacts: Encourage your child to avoid close contact with classmates who are sick.

Early intervention: If your child develops cold or flu symptoms, contact your doctor promptly. Early treatment can prevent symptoms from escalating into an asthma attack.

6. Allergy Management: A proactive Approach

For children with allergy-induced asthma, managing allergies is crucial.

Allergy testing: If allergies are suspected, consider allergy testing to identify specific triggers.

Allergen avoidance: Minimize exposure to known allergens whenever possible.

Allergy medications: Work with your doctor to determine if allergy medications (antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids) are appropriate.

Communicate with the school: Inform the school about your child’s allergies and any necessary accommodations.

7. Stress Management: The Mind-Body Connection

Stress can exacerbate asthma symptoms. The back-to-school transition can be stressful for children.

Open communication: Encourage your child to talk about their feelings and anxieties.

Relaxation techniques: Teach simple relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises or mindfulness.

Adequate sleep: Ensure your child gets enough sleep.

Positive reinforcement: Provide positive reinforcement and support to help your child adjust to the new school year.

Real-World Example: I recently worked with a family whose child experienced frequent asthma attacks triggered by dust in the classroom. After communicating with the school, we were able to arrange for more frequent cleaning and the use of an air purifier, significantly reducing the child’s symptoms. This highlights