Asthma:
Asthma is a common chronic condition, affecting more than 6 million children (about 1 in 12 children). The CDC estimates that nearly 16% of black children have asthma, 7% of white children have asthma. The CDC also estimates that nearly 50% of children with asthma have missed school for asthma related symptoms. The estimated total amount of time missed from school was 13.8 million days in 2013. That translate to classroom time lost as well as parent time lost from work, coupled with fees for medical care and medications we see how asthma can be disruptive to normal development. Unfortunately it is felt that 50% of children with asthma have poor asthma control. Knowing that in 2018 nearly 200 children died from asthma and that untreated or uncontrolled asthma can lead to lung damage it becomes vital to understand the mechanism of asthma and the available treatments.
On the sub pages within this section I will describe what happens in the lungs during an asthma episode, what symptoms are common to see as a result of the asthma episode and the treatments available for successful asthma management. The last page of this section is an asthma survey. I ask that if you have a student with asthma, at Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School, that you complete and submit this survey. This will provide me, the school nurse, with valuable information about your child, allowing me to create the safest and healthiest environment for your child. The survey answers come directly to me and will be held in your students school health record.
If you have any questions, concerns or comments please reach out to me at sue.righter@pgcps.org
If you think your child will need asthma medication at school click the button below for the medication form for your healthcare provider to complete.