Asthma has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. Nearly 15 million people have asthma, including nearly one in 13 school-aged children. Asthma is the leading cause of school absenteeism due to chronic illness and over 10 million school days are missed due to asthma each year. When not well controlled, asthma can prevent a child from leading a fully active life and can be potentially life-threatening. Asthma also can affect academic performance because of missed school days as well as missed sleep due to nighttime asthma.

Children spend a great deal of time in school, so if your child has asthma, it is important to consider how their asthma will be controlled in school. The following provide tips for parents as well as information to share with teachers, school nurses, and other school staff on how to control asthma in school.

• Getting Children with Asthma Ready for Kindergarten
  
  
• Working with Your Child's School - Tips for Parents
  
  
• Information for Schools about Asthma
  
  
• Minnesota's Asthma Inhaler Law
  
  
• Asthma Action Plan in English
  
  
• Asthma Action Plan in Spanish
  
  
• Child Friendly Asthma Action Plan