Early Learning Project
Tip SheetKyle’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 - Tips to Remember: Childhood Asthma
http://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/library/at-a-glance/childhood-asthma.aspx
Spanish: Asma infantile
http://www.aaaai.org/global/spanish-materials/Conditions---Treatments/Asthma.aspx - A Student Asthma Action Plan
http://www.getasthmahelp.org/documents/student-aafa.pdf - How Asthma-Friendly Is Your Child-Care Setting?
Checklist
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/lung/asthma/chc_chk.htm
Spanish: El manejo del asma
Disclaimer
The opinions, resources, and referrals provided on the IEL Web site are intended for informational purposes only and are not intended to take the place of medical or legal advice, or of other appropriate services. We encourage you to seek direct local assistance from a qualified professional if necessary before taking action.
The content of the IEL Web site does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Illinois Early Learning Project, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, or the Illinois State Board of Education; nor does the mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the Illinois Early Learning Project, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, or the Illinois State Board of Education.