Asthma Online Tool Kit

Nine Organizations Issue a Joint Statement on Improving Asthma Management in Schools

In the United States, more than 7 million children have asthma, and of the school absences caused by chronic conditions, asthma is one of the biggest contributors, causing over 10 million missed school days annually. That is why nine health and school-based organizations --including NASN -- have come together and issued a joint statement on improving asthma management in schools, which provides best practices for a healthy school environment that promotes student learning and wellbeing.
Read the statement here.

National Association of School Nurses resources

• Managing Asthma Triggers live Program

• Managing Asthma Triggers online continuing education

• Issue Brief:  Self-Administration of Rescue Inhalers for Asthma in the School Setting

Asthma – Basic Information

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

• Asthma Basics – Information including “What is Asthma?”, “How is Asthma Diagnosed?” and information about asthma episodes.

American Lung Association:

• Asthma medication videos – Eight videos are easily accessible to help demonstrate the proper technique for a number of asthma devices.

National Environmental Education Foundation:

• Environmental Management of Pediatric Asthma: Guidelines for Health Care Providers - These documents outline competencies in environmental health relevant to pediatric asthma that should be mastered by health care providers, and outlines the environmental interventions that should be communicated to patients.

Additional Asthma Tools

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

• Information for School and Childcare Providers – Resources include a sign language video for schools and CDC’s Health Youth! Asthma Web Site.

American Lung Association:

• Asthma Basics – Online curriculum provides asthma information in 50 minute lesson. This can be an appropriate tool for parents/guardians of children with asthma or a refresher for school nurses.

• What is Asthma? Animation – This animation provides a quick overview of asthma and what happens in the lungs.

• Asthma Educator Institute – Professional development program that provides information on guideline-based care and prepares participants to sit for the NAECB exam.

Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America:

• Asthma Management and Education - 2-hour program that recognizes the critical role allied health professionals play in educating and caring for the patient with asthma and allergies.

School Tools and Forms

National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute:

• Asthma Action Plan

• Is the Asthma Action Plan Working?—A Tool for School Nurse Assessment
  All children with asthma need an asthma action plan. This brief assessment tool offers guidance in determining how well an asthma action plan is working for a student.

• Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma (EPR-3) - The EPR 3 Guidelines on Asthma was developed by an expert panel commissioned by the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP) Coordinating Committee (CC), coordinated by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health.

• Asthma and Physical Activity in the School: Making a Difference - This site provides a resource for teachers and coaches to help students with asthma participate in sports and physical activities.

• Managing Asthma: A Guide for Schools - This site provides school personnel a booklet describing practical ways to help students with asthma.

• Suggested Emergency Protocol for Students with Asthma Symptoms - Although each student with asthma needs a personal asthma action plan, schools also should have a written emergency care plan for students who do not have a personal plan at school. This template can help develop a district or school protocol.

NASN Radio:

• The ABCs of Using Pulse Oximeters in Schools - A 12 minute audio presentation by a school nurse on using pulse oximetry in the school setting.

Allergy and Asthma Network, Mothers of Asthmatics (AANMA)

• Asthma Inhalers - This colorful 17” x 22” poster helps patients identify their medication for healthcare providers and offers easy reference for patient education. Perfect for school clinics and emergency rooms. NEWLY UPDATED IN 2011! Purchase individual posters at $5 each.

American Lung Association:

• Guide to Asthma Policy for Housing and Schools – School policy recommendations and templates to support a healthier school environment for all students.

• Back to School with Asthma Toolkit – Quick steps for school nurses, teachers, and staff, to support an asthma-friendlier learning environment, as they prepare for the school year.

• Asthma-Friendly Schools Initiative® – The Lung Association’s comprehensive approach to asthma management in schools. Provides resources to create a measurable, long-term asthma management plan.

Resources for Families, Children and Youth

Allergy and Asthma Network, Mothers of Asthmatics (AANMA)

• When Should Asthma Go To School? – A guide to help parents decide when their child should attend school and when their asthma should keep them home.

• Winning Strategies for Athletes with Asthma and Allergies – Information for families on managing asthma and allergies in the context of sports participation.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):

• EnviroFlash! - Provides daily air quality information such as forecasts and action day notifications via email for your area of interest. Air quality information allows you to adjust your lifestyle when necessary on unhealthy air quality days.

American Lung Association

• Back to School Checklist for Students with Asthma - This back-to-school season, the American Lung Association highlights tips for families of children with asthma and stresses the importance of crafting a plan to properly manage asthma in a school environment.

• Lungtopolis® and Lungtropolis® Parents – Help save Lungtropolis and fight the mucus mob while learning about asthma management! This proven effective online game for children 5-10, also includes a parent component to support adults as they help manage their child’s asthma.

• Open Airways For Schools®– Interactive, in-person asthma management curriculum for children 8-11, led by a certified facilitator. In many cases, the program’s certified facilitator is a school nurse.

Starlight Children’s Foundation

• Quest for the Code Asthma Game – The Quest for the Code® asthma game, weaves education about asthma management into an engaging adventure that will have children and teens ages 7 to 15 playing for hours. The game combines asthma education with rich graphics, an engaging storyline and the talent of eleven top celebrities to help young people learn how to manage their asthma.

Page Last Updated August 2012