Tyra Bryant-Stephens, MD, Richard Wong, DO, break down asthma in the classroom

Asthma remains one of the leading causes of school absenteeism and a top chronic illness among children in the United States, according to the CDC. As the school year begins, pediatricians can play a crucial role in preparing families to manage asthma in the classroom and beyond.

“Children at school face several challenges in making sure that their asthma stays under good control, as compared to being at home,” said Richard J. Wong, DO, pediatric pulmonologist, Phoenix Children’s. Limited access to rescue therapies, lack of an asthma action plan, or even stigma can all contribute to flare-ups.

Transitions from summer to school can also affect medication adherence. “A common challenge we see is that getting ready for a busy school day can make it difficult for families to remember to give the morning dose of medication,” said Tyra Bryant-Stephens, MD, medical director of the Community Asthma Prevention Program at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

Age can influence management. Younger children rely on school staff to recognize symptoms, while adolescents may underreport symptoms and skip controller medications. “This can lead to an overreliance on short-acting beta agonists,” Wong noted.

Bryant-Stephens recommended that at the start of the year, pediatricians review an asthma action plan, ensure children have inhalers and spacers for both home and school, and verify insurance coverage for extra supplies. She outlined 5 key steps: discuss triggers, review provider needs, complete the school checklist, use control medications consistently, and ensure medication refills are available.

School nurses can be valuable partners in care, though availability varies. “We need to consider them part of the health care team,” said Bryant-Stephens. “They are allies in keeping children in school.”

Pediatricians can also share practical tips directly with children, such as pacing before and after exercise and restarting allergy medications before the school year to reduce triggers. “It is important to make sure enough refills are always present…and to encourage the use of spacers,” Wong added.

With clear communication, preparation, and collaboration between families, schools, and providers, children with asthma can start the school year ready to learn, and breathe, more easily.

Reference:

1. Managing asthma in schools. CDC. August 13, 2024. Accessed August 8, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/school-health-conditions/chronic/asthma.html