Children Entering the Classroom Environment and Potential Different Asthma Triggers

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Photo Credit: SCA Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget

The back-to-school crunch isn’t just about new backpacks and flashy sneakers. For the 7 million American kids living with asthma, it means heading back into an environment that can be laden with allergens that may affect their ability to maintain control over their asthma. In fact, asthma accounts for nearly 11 million school absences every year.

People with asthma have inflammation or swelling in the airways of their lungs, and uncontrolled inflammation (swelling) makes the airways more sensitive to asthma triggers like pollen, dust, and smoke. It’s important for people with asthma to avoid these triggers and other irritants in the air or respiratory infections, as they are some of the most common asthma triggers. Children and parents should have a clear understanding of these common triggers as the school year begins.

Here is some homework for parents whose kids have asthma as they prepare for the school year ahead:

· Reach out to your child’s teachers, school nurse, gym teacher and coaches. Make sure they know about your child’s condition and any medication he/she takes

· Visit your child’s classroom to identify any asthma triggers that could be removed or minimized

· Make sure the school knows how to reach you directly in case of an emergency

· Ensure your child has been properly vaccinated

PULMICORT FLEXHALER^® (budesonide inhalation powder, 90 mcg & 180 mcg), an inhaled corticosteroid made by AstraZeneca, is U.S. FDA approved for the maintenance treatment of asthma in adults and children 6 years or older. Complete product information and numerous asthma tools are available through the product Web site, including an asthma symptom tracker and doctor visit checklist.

Please see the Indication and Important Safety Information for PULMICORT FLEXHALER included below.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT PULMICORT FLEXHALER

Important Safety Information

PULMICORT FLEXHALER is not a bronchodilator and should NOT be used to treat an acute asthma attack. If you are switching to PULMICORT FLEXHALER from an oral corticosteroid, follow your doctor’s instructions to avoid serious health risks when you stop using oral corticosteroids.

Avoid exposure to infections such as chicken pox and measles. Tell your doctor immediately if exposed. Inhaled corticosteroids may cause a reduction in growth rate. The long-term effect on final adult height is unknown.

Rare instances of glaucoma, increased intraocular pressure, cataracts have been reported following the inhaled administration of corticosteroids.

PULMICORT FLEXHALER contains small amounts of lactose, which contains trace levels of milk proteins. In patients who have severe milk protein allergy (not those who are lactose intolerant) cough, wheezing, or bronchospasm may occur.

Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about all your health conditions, and all medicines you may be taking

As with other inhaled asthma medications, bronchospasm, with an immediate increase in wheezing, may occur after dosing. If bronchospasm occurs following dosing with PULMICORT FLEXHALER, it should be treated immediately with a fast-acting inhaled bronchodilator. Treatment with PULMICORT FLEXHALER should be discontinued and alternate therapy instituted.

The most commonly reported side effects in clinical trials include inflammation of the nose and throat, nasal congestion, sore throat, nasal allergies, viral upper respiratory tract infection, and thrush in the mouth and throat.

Approved Use

PULMICORT FLEXHALER (budesonide inhalation powder, 90 mcg & 180 mcg), an inhaled corticosteroid, is used for the maintenance treatment of asthma in adults and children 6 years or older.

Please click here for full Prescribing Information for PULMICORT FLEXHALER.