Malpractice News: American Lung Association’s Back-to-School Asthma Checklist

Malpractice News: The American Lung Association (ALA) is advising parents of children diagnosed with asthma to follow their checklist to make sure their children have a healthy and productive school year.

According to the ALA, approximately 11 percent of school-age children suffer from a form of asthma. The disease accounts for almost 13 million absentee days.

The ALA recommends:

• Children with asthma need a back to school check-up so the pediatrician is able to evaluate medications and counsel parents on any physical activity restrictions, especially those that may impact the child’s ability to participate in physical education class activities.
  
• Make sure the child’s medications are up to date, and that parents request a prescription for the newer HFA inhaler. CFC inhalers, which contain chlorofluorocarbons, will no longer be available after Dec. 31, 2008).
  
• Parents with financial concerns should ask their healthcare provider about prescription assistance services to determine if they qualify for financial aid to obtain asthma medications.
  
• Parents should ask their pediatrician to review their written asthma action plan. The plan should include all pertinent information about their child’s condition, symptoms, medications, physical activity limitations, as well as specific instructions about what to do if the child suffers an attack that does not improve after receiving their medication. The action plan should be provided to all caregivers responsible for the child during the school day, including teachers, the school nurse, front office administrators and coaches, as well as to anyone responsible for the child in an after-school program or any other extra-curricular activity.
  
• Parents should meet with the child’s teachers and the school nurse to discuss typical symptoms and triggers for an attack. If the child’s school permits students to carry and independently administer asthma medications, including inhalers, find out what steps need to be taken so the child can do so.
  
• Parents should make sure they clearly understand the school’s asthma emergency plan, and confirm that any school staff members with whom the child will interact daily have been trained to respond to asthma emergencies.

Our medical malpractice lawyers are here to help you.

If you have been harmed by a health professional, please complete the form below for a free medical malpractice lawsuit review. A representative of our firm will be in touch shortly.

Click To Talk To Us Online

see also:

Malpractice News: HIV in Children and Asthma Malpractice News: HAART treatment for HIV-positive children and asthma
Malpractice News: Some HIV-positive children at risk for asthma

Malpractice News: Simvastatin and Amiodarone Read the warnings about Simvastatin and Amiodarone: malpractice alert
Malpractice News: FDA warning on combining Simvastatin and Amiodarone

Study on prescribing meds Malpractice: Doctors Give Poor Instructions on Prescription Medication
Malpractice Study: Giving Poor Instruction on Prescription Medication