Resources on Early Learning

Tip Sheets

Kyle’s preschool teacher notices that he often misses school because of colds. She hears a wheeze or whistling sound in his breath when he plays hard. Could he have asthma? Asthma is diagnosed in over 6% of children under the age of 5. Asthma causes the airways to swell, tighten, and fill with mucus. Asthma episodes can be life-threatening. Here are some things teachers of young children need to know.

What are the warning signs of asthma in young children? A child is more likely to develop asthma if a family member has asthma or allergies. Warning signs include

• frequent coughing, shortness of breath, or complaints of a tight feeling in her chest
• ·congestion with colds or colds that seem to last longer for him than for his siblings
• coughing or wheezing when she plays hard, laughs, or has a temper tantrum
• dark circles under his eyes

What factors might bring on an asthma episode? Although the cause of asthma is unknown, some episodes are triggered by

• smoke, dust, or air pollution
• allergies, including those to pets, pollen, mold, grass, dust mites, and cockroaches
• strong odors such as paint fumes and perfume
• changes in temperature, particularly exposure to cold air
• exercise or strong emotions
• respiratory infections such as colds

What is the teacher’s role? If teachers suspect asthma, they can urge parents to contact their child’s health care provider. For each child who has a history of asthma, teachers and caregivers can

• help the child avoid known triggers
• have an action plan prepared by the child’s parents and doctor
• respond calmly to mild episodes, and use needed equipment or medications quickly

How would a teacher know if a child needs emergency help? Call 911 if a child

• is struggling to breathe or if his skin is pulled into his neck or rib cage when he breathes
• can’t walk or talk easily
• has a peak flow less than 50%, as measured by a peak flow meter
• has lips or nails that are blue or gray

Statistics are taken from (1) Akinbami, Lara J. (2006). The state of childhood asthma, United States, 1980-2005. Advance Data from Vital and Health Statistics, 381 (http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/ad/ad381.pdf); and (2) Childhood Asthma Overview (http://www.lungusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=22782).

To learn more about asthma in children, visit these resources and Web sites:

• IEL Interactive Chat: Caring for Children with Asthma
  http://illinoisearlylearning.org/chat/hoffman/index.htm
• Asthma in Child Care Settings
  http://www.ucsfchildcarehealth.org/pdfs/factsheets/Asthma_EN_092206.pdf
  Spanish: El asma en establecimientos de cuidado de niños
  http://www.ucsfchildcarehealth.org/pdfs/factsheets/Asthma_SP_091807.pdf
• American Academy of Pediatrics: Managing Asthma
  http://www.healthychildcare.org/CaregiverEnews.cfm
• Recognizing Asthma in Your Young Child
  http://www.medem.com/medlb/article_detaillb_for_printer.cfm?article_ID=ZZZ0QLJPM0F&sub_cat=0
• Tips to Remember: Childhood Asthma
  http://www.aaaai.org/patients/publicedmat/tips/childhoodasthma.stm
  Spanish: Asma infantile
  http://www.aaaai.org/espanol/tips/asma_infantil.stm
• A Student Asthma Action Card
  http://www.getasthmahelp.org/studentAAFA.pdf
• How Asthma-Friendly Is Your Child-Care Setting? Checklist
  http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/lung/asthma/chc_chk.htm

The opinions, resources, and referrals provided in this Tip Sheet are intended for information purposes only and should not be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We advise parents to seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health care provider with questions regarding their child’s health or medical conditions.

Spanish: El manejo del asma

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