Back-to-school help for asthmatics

The Utah Department of Health hopes parents of the estimated 64,000 children with asthma will take preventive steps to help their children head back to school in good health.

The public health campaign offers both advice and a downloadable self-administration form parents can fill out and provide the school, so that children who are capable can carry and use their inhalers at school.

The start of the school year can be a tough time for some children with asthma because of new environmental triggers in the school such as chemical vapors from art and chemistry class, classroom pets and chalk dust, says Libby Chuy, who leads the department's asthma program. And even just the anxiety of new classes and situations can be a trigger.

Asthma is one of the leading causes of school absenteeism in the United States, and episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness and coughing can interrupt school activities.

• Fill out the form, available at www.health.utah.gov/asthma/backtoschool.html and turn it in to the office or school nurse.

• Ask your doctor for a written asthma action plan with things to avoid and what to do in an emergency or asthma attack.

• Encourage the student's physical education teachers and coaches to complete an online educational program, www.winningwithasthma.org.

• Make sure your child's flu shots are current

Information is available at the online addresses already listed or by calling 1-888-222-2542.