With the Christmas and New Year holidays coming to an end, children across New Zealand will soon be heading back to school or preschool. Whether your child is returning to a familiar environment or starting somewhere new, good asthma care is essential to help them stay healthy, active, and ready to learn.
As a parent or caregiver, there are a few important things you can do to make sure both your child and their school or preschool are prepared to manage their asthma.
Before school starts, check the following:
- Make sure your child’s asthma is well controlled
Take our quick and easy asthma control test online. If your child is under 12, you’ll need to complete part of the test together. - Take preventer inhalers as prescribed
If your child has been prescribed a preventer inhaler this should be taken as prescribed, preventers work best when taken every day. This is especially important in Term 1, when children are exposed to lots of new germs and other potential new triggers. If they have had one in the past and they have stopped using it, discuss with your GP if one is still required and get a new prescription if necessary. - Book a check-up with your doctor or nurse if needed
If your child’s asthma is not well controlled, or it hasn’t been reviewed in the past 12 months, make an appointment with your doctor or general practice. - Update your child’s Asthma Action Plan
Make sure it is up to date and provide a copy to your child’s school or preschool. - Check reliever inhalers and spacers
Ensure your child has a spare reliever inhaler in their school bag (if your child is older their school allows this) or provide one to their school/preschool with a copy of the action plan and a spacer device if their inhaler device (puffer) requires one (you can get a spacer for free from you GP) - Check medication expiry dates
Make sure all asthma medications are in date. If anything has expired, you’ll need a new prescription from your doctor. - Talk with the school or teacher
Ensure staff are aware of your child’s asthma symptoms and triggers, and that they have your up-to-date contact details in case of an emergency.
Helpful links:
- School Asthma Checklist – School-Asthma-Checklist.pdf
- Asthma information, treatment and management – Asthma information – Asthma New Zealand
- How to use inhaler devices – Asthma – children | Healthify