Control the Symptoms of an Epidemic HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILD BATTLE BACK-TO-SCHOOL ASTHMA ATTACKS Back-to-school season brings the usual return to pencils, books and homework. But for the 5 million U.S. students who suffer from asthma, it also can mean a surge in seasonal asthma attacks. This phenomenon, often called the “September Epidemic,” is probably caused by a host of factors that together cause a perfect storm, says Carolyn M. Kercsmar, MD, Co-Chief of the Division of Pulmonology and Director of the Children’s Asthma Center at Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital. “The onset of the fall viral season, ragweed season, mold from falling leaves and rainy weather are each individual asthma triggers,” Dr. Kercsmar explains. “But on top of that, students returning to school for the year also are exposed to additional classroom allergens or irritants — such as chalk dust, dust mites, potted plants, classroom pets or fumes from building repairs.” These irritants can spark the inflammatory process in the airways of asthma sufferers and result in a greater number of asthma attacks. “Some children also stop their asthma medications in the summer, which is typically a season when asthma sufferers find the most relief,” Dr. Kercsmar says. Although all of the factors that cause the September Epidemic aren’t entirely avoidable, there are several steps you can take to help your child breathe easier when the new academic year kicks off. Dr. Kercsmar recommends that students do not take a “summer vacation” from their asthma medications, or at least begin taking them again before going back to school. Any change in asthma medications always should be discussed with your child’s doctor. Good hand washing is the best defense against the common cold, which is a common asthma trigger, she adds. “Parents and students also should keep the lines of communication open with school teachers and administrators and discuss ways to minimize your child’s exposure to allergens as much as possible,” Dr. Kercsmar says. For example, grade school teachers should be advised that a task such as cleaning chalkboard erasers or caring for a classroom pet could likely trigger an attack. “With asthma, the tendency for flareups is always there,” she says. “However, taking a proactive approach can help minimize exacerbations.” GREAT OFFER! Rainbow is offering free copies of the booklet Childhood Asthma, Treating Asthma at School. The booklet contains a convenient chart for your child’s school nurse to fill out. Call 216-844-RAINBOW for your free copy today. CAROLYN M. KERCSMAR, MD Co-Chief of the Division of Pulmonology and Director of the Children’s Asthma Center at Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital