OAK PARK, Mich. -- The American Lung Association of Michigan (ALAM) encourages parents of children with asthma to make asthma management a priority as part of their children's back-to-school preparations.

Parents are encouraged to ensure that school personnel, including teachers, principals, maintenance workers, bus drivers, lunchroom staff, playground monitors and others, are educated about asthma and what to do in an asthma emergency.

According to the Asthma Initiative of Michigan, 94 percent of schools make sure children with asthma have access to their medicine, but only 43 percent obtain and use an asthma action plan for students with asthma. In addition, only 50 percent of Michigan schools educate their staff about asthma.

Asthma is the leading cause of school absenteeism due to chronic illness, and the leading cause of hospitalizations in children under age 15. Nearly 233,800 children in Michigan, age 18 and younger, have asthma.

"Back-to-school asthma is a reality, so being prepared should be on parents' back-to-school lists," said Dr. Norman Edelman, chief medical officer of the American Lung Association. September and October are peak months for asthma, since they mark the beginning of cold and virus season. School bus diesel exhaust, indoor pollutants, fall allergens and outdoor air pollution also are asthma triggers.

"Every child with asthma should have a written Asthma Action Plan, developed with the child's physician, that details that child's specific asthma triggers, medications, instructions regarding physical activity, like using an inhaler before strenuous exercise for some children, and an emergency plan," said Dr. Edelman. "Communication is critical to a child's asthma management at school."

In Michigan, state law allows children with asthma to carry and self- administer asthma quick-relief inhalers and other life-saving medicines.

ALAM recommends that parents take an active and aggressive role in helping their children manage their asthma while in school. Helpful information can be found at www.backtoschoolwithasthma.org. There parents can download and print a brochure, A Guide for Parents of Children with Asthma, Back to School with Asthma, a copy of the Michigan inhaler law and the national ALA-endorsed Asthma Action Plan. The brochure and action plan also are available in hard copy by calling 1-800-LUNG-USA.

Source: American Lung Association of Michigan

Web site: http://www.backtoschoolwithasthma.org/