AS children and parents get back into the swing of school, Asthma Australia is urging parents to update their child’s Asthma Action Plan (AAP).
Just like packing a school hat, this simple step helps ensure your child’s asthma is well-managed, and helps teachers, coaches, and caregivers know exactly what to do if a flare-up occurs. Given the time children spend at school, managing asthma effectively is critical.
Asthma Australia Chief Executive Kate Miranda said whether it’s from the sun’s rays or unexpected asthma flare-ups, an updated AAP is essential and helps to relieve the burden on children.
“Sending your child back to school without an updated written AAP is just like sending them to play in the sun without a hat on,” she said.
“They are exposed. It’s one of those small but important steps to keep them protected.”
AAP explained:
An AAP is a personalised guide created by your doctor to manage your child’s asthma.
It’s like an instruction manual for asthma that outlines how to handle flare-ups, monitor symptoms, and provide appropriate treatment. Regardless of how mild your child’s asthma may seem, everyone with asthma should have one.
The plan covers four key areas:
1. How to look after your child’s asthma daily: Instructions for everyday asthma management.
2. What to do if asthma starts to flare up: Steps to take if symptoms worsen.
3. What to do if asthma becomes severe: Emergency actions if the flare-up becomes serious.
4. What to do in an asthma emergency: Instructions for life-threatening asthma attacks.
Asthma Australia offers both colour and black-and-white versions of the AAP, which is suitable for both children and adults, and most importantly, is accepted by schools and childcare facilities across Australia.
Asthma Australia’s back-to-school checklist:
To help ensure your child’s asthma is well-managed at school, Asthma Australia has also created a checklist for parents, with steps including booking an asthma review, updating your child’s AAP, checking and updating medicines, and connecting with the child’s school.
Asthma Australia is the nation’s peak body representing 2.7 million Australians living with asthma. There is no cure, but most people with asthma can manage their condition by preparing for the flare ups and education.
For more information, visit www.bit.ly/3WFETpN.
