Whole school approach to asthma in schools

What can trigger an asthma attack?

Asthma triggers irritate the airways or worsen the inflammation in the airways. The following triggers can cause asthma symptoms or start an asthma attack:

• Infections, usually those caused by a virus (e.g. colds or flu)
• Allergens, most commonly from house dust mites, pets or pollen
• Exercise, especially in cold weather
• Strong emotions, such as excitement, fear, or anger
• Irritants, such as air pollution
• Smoking
• Exposure to mould
• Changes in the weather
• Pressure on chest
• Food additives, such as tartrazine (an artificial food colouring), or food allergens, such as peanuts (sensitised or allergic individuals can have a very severe allergic reaction)
• Certain medications some people may be allergic to some drugs (e.g. aspirin)

When the airways have been inflamed for a long time, they become extra-sensitive. This means that they react faster and more strongly to various triggers, such as allergens, viruses, dust, smoke and stress. See more guidance on the ginasthmas.org website.

Why is it important to raise awareness and educate about asthma?

Awareness and education go hand in hand in creating safe and supportive environments for CYP with asthma. When asthma is in control and education is in place, CYP can more easily participate in their education with less limits to their physical activity.

What can we do to reduce the incidence of asthma attacks?

You can assess your indoor air quality to reduce triggers for asthma in school.

Schools can register with Schools' Air Quality Monitoring for Health and Education (SAMHE) to help improve indoor air quality. Schools receive a free air quality monitor that measures carbon dioxide (CO2), volatile organic compounds (VOCs) particulate matter (PM), temperature and relative humidity. Teachers and CYP can access their data through an app, seeing how air quality changes over time.

Knowing a CYP's triggers and removing as many as possible from the school environment can also improve a CYP's breathing and possibly reduce the need for medication.