Families, Clinicians and Schools: Working Together to Improve Asthma Management

Asthma in school-aged youth can be significantly decreased through the coordinated efforts of asthma care clinicians, families, and schools.

Support Asthma Friendly Schools

Asthma is a leading chronic illness among children and youth in the United States. In 2006, 5.6 million school-aged children and youth were reported to currently have asthma, and 3.1 million had an asthma episode or attack within the previous year.

Burden of Asthma in Schools

On average, in a classroom of 30 children, about 3 are likely to have asthma. Asthma is one of the leading causes of school absenteeism. In 2003, an estimated 12.8 million school days were missed due to asthma among the more than 4 million children who reported at least one asthma attack in the preceding year.

New Guidance for Action

Improved asthma management can result in increased attendance and performance at school. Improvements are most effective when they are coordinated within schools and with the community. A new article, Working With Schools To Improve Pediatric Asthma Management, reviews recent research findings and provides guidance for asthma care clinicians on how to enhance school-based asthma management. Key action steps for clinicians, families, and schools include:

1. Promoting asthma-friendly schools
2. Identifying students with asthma
3. Educating students and staff about asthma
4. Reducing environmental exposures
5. Managing asthma episodes at school
6. Monitoring and coordinating care for students with asthma

Asthma care clinicians, families, and schools can work together to help students with asthma manage their disease at school.

More Information

• Working With Schools To Improve Pediatric Asthma Management
• CDC's Division of Adolescent and School Health – Information and Resources on School Based Asthma Management
• CDC's Initiating Change: Creating an Asthma-Friendly School toolkit
• CDC's National Center for Environmental Health – Information for Schools and Childcare Providers