Asthma - What all parents should know

In Ontario, as many as 1 in 5 children has asthma. Uncontrolled asthma is a leading cause of school absenteeism and may limit children’s learning opportunities.

The majority of children with asthma are able to lead a normal life if appropriate medications and environmental control strategies are used. Periodically, some children with asthma will experience an attack or episode of asthma symptoms (coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, difficulty breathing). The condition is rarely fatal but should not be underestimated. More children are admitted to hospital with asthma than any other chronic condition and it is also a leading cause of emergency room visits.

During the school year, children spend about 40% of their wakeful hours at school. Parents play a pivotal role in the management of their child’s asthma. It is extremely important that parents:

• Tell the school that their child has asthma
• Complete all medical forms required by the school to ensure that the school knows how to handle their child’s asthma
• Supply the school with an extra reliever (usually blue) medication and ensure that it is easy for the child to reach at all times
• Alert the school to any changes in their child’s health condition throughout the school year

Other Resources

To view ways that you can help support and make your school more asthma friendly visit http://www.asthmainschools.com

Both the Halton Catholic and Halton District School Boards have an Asthma Management protocol for their schools.

For more information you can visit:

• Ontario Lung Association
• Asthma Society
• Call the Asthma Action Help Line at 1-800-668-7682

Childhood Illness

How do you know if your child is healthy? No two children are the same. Healthy children grow, get stronger and are alert and active. As a parent, you may have questions about how to keep your child healthy.

Some of the questions we can answer are:

• My child has a high fever - what can I do?
• What needles / shots does my child need to have? 
• When should I keep my child home from school / daycare? 

Related links:

• Halton Health Department - infectious disease information
• Immunizations (shots)
• TeleHealth Ontario 1-866-797-0000
• How to look after a sick child 

Contact Information

• chintake@halton.ca
  905.825.6000
  Toll Free: 1.866.442.5866