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COLUMBIA – Students with asthma returning to classrooms may face dangerous situations when needing access to life-saving inhalers, according to a recent American Lung Association survey.

The online survey of parents of children with asthma examined students’ access to “quick relief” medications, the use of Asthma Action Plans, and parents’ awareness of state laws allowing students to carry and use inhalers.

Results revealed that 58.7 percent of respondents were unsure if their state has a law allowing students to carry and self-administer fast-acting “quick relief” inhalers. In fact, 46 states and the District of Columbia require that the self-administration of asthma medication be allowed in public and private schools. An overwhelming 74.4 percent of parents whose children do have inhalers at school responded that their child’s school does not allow students to keep rescue inhalers with them – in their desks, pockets, etc. Forty percent have never heard of an Asthma Action Plan, the recommended asthma management and communication tool for parents, physicians and schools.

“South Carolina law requires school districts to adopt a policy authorizing a student to self-administer asthma medication with proper authorization from their parent,” said Sharon Helps, regional manager for the American Lung Association – Southeast Region in Columbia. “Access to ’quick-relief’ or ’rescue’ medications is critical for people with asthma, as these medications immediately open the airways during an asthma attack. The longer it takes to administer quick-relief medications, the more severe the asthma attack may become.”

“Communication between parents, school nurses and teachers about the child’s asthma, and use of an Asthma Action Plan can assure that your child is safe at school.” she added.

Dr. Norman H. Edelman, American Lung Association chief medical officer, said the ALA wants as many students as possible to carry their rescue medications.

“For each child and each situation, the school, parents and health care provider, together, must consider the student’s maturity level, understanding of their symptoms and when they need medication, and their willingness to follow the school’s policies about carrying your own medication,” he said. “That relationship among the family, school officials and the child’s health care provider, who must be directing and communicating a specific asthma management plan, is critical.”

The ALA recommends that parents provide written Asthma Action Plans to schools listing asthma triggers, medications, instructions for physical activity, and an emergency plan. Schools play pivotal roles in students’ asthma management by providing an asthma-friendly school environment, communicating with parents about students’ specific health experiences while at school, and facilitating referrals to health care providers and other community resources when necessary.

Asthma Action Plan forms, tips for parents of children with asthma, as well as resources for schools and health care providers, are available at www.lungusa.org or by calling 1-800-LUNG-USA.

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