School nurses are trying to make it safer for students with asthma to be allowed to can't their own inhaler. The following forms were submitted by Gall Post, working as a school nurse in Honolulu. The information sheet needs to be designed with appropriate lines to fill in. In the interest of space, we have supplied only the dam it contains.

Asthma inhalers at school

Memorandum to Parents

So that I may provide the best care for your child, please complete the attached form and return it to me. If any changes occur during the year, please notify me.

Option #1 The student comes to the health room where the inhaler is kept, and uses it under supervision. The advantage is that the medication will be used correctly, in the proper amount, and records will be kept.

A number of students keep inhalers in the health room and come before PE, recess, or as needed.

All medications brought to school must be in their original container, with a signed parental permission note giving the child's name, class, dose and time for medication to be given.

Option #2 Qualified students will be allowed to carry their inhalers. The advantage is that it is immediately accessible. A spare inhaler provided by the parent will be kept for them in the health clinic should they forget theirs or run out.

I also have a peak flow meter with individual mouthpieces and a nebulizer available. Parents will need to supply the tubing setup with med cup and mouthpiece for their child.

CONTRACT BETWEEN STUDENT, PARENT, NURSE AND DOCTOR

For permission to carry inhalers 1. Student has demonstrated to the nurse correct use of inhaler.
2. Student agrees to never share the inhaler with another person.
3. Student agrees that after two puffs, if there is not marked improvement, he/she will go to see the nurse immediately.

Student signature________________

I give permission for my child___________________ to carry the inhaler described below. I understand that he/she must follow the rules listed above. I will notify the school of changes in medication or my child's condition.

NAME OF MEDICATION            DOSE             FREQUENCY OF USE

__________________            _________        __________________

__________________            _________        __________________


Parent's signature____________________________  Date:____________

STUDENT ASTHMA INFORMATION SHEET

Student name ______________________

Homeroom __________________________

Describe the type of symptoms child experiences 
(e.g., wheezing, coughing, tightness, other.):



What usually helps if an attack occurs?
Medications child takes: Name, dose, frequency:



Side effects of medication that your child experiences:


Does your child use a peak flow meter?
      __if so, what is child's current best peak flow?
      
Additional information/instructions:

Number of times child has had to be taken to an emergency facility for an 
acute attack of asthma in the past 12 months.

Please contact the school nurse if information or child's condition
changes during the school year.

Thank you for help in providing the best care for your child.

Nurse______________    Phone_______________

Nurse Post also gives information sheets to teachers: 1. Early Signs of an asthma episode. 2. Actions for the classroom teacher.

Source: Managing Asthma. A Guide for Schools. Natl Heart, Lung, and Blood Inst. Information Center. PO Box 30105, Bethesda MD 20824-0105 NIH Publication 91-2650)

Ed. note: I suggest that any child who has more than minimal asthma be graded as to mild- moderate-severe, according to the Amer. Acad. Pediatrics Guidelines (see School Health Alert Vol.11, June 1996, p 5)

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