Anaphylaxis is a sudden and dangerous body reaction that involves two or more organ systems. An allergy to some substance such as a certain food, insect bite, latex or medication causes the reaction. This may be something that has or has not caused any symptoms in the past. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening medical emergency. Waiting to get to an emergency room can be fatal.
General information for parents and caregivers about asthma, the most frequently occurring chronic illness in children. See Managing Chronic Health Needs in Child Care and Schools, 2nd Edition available from the bookstore of the American Academy of Pediatrics at https://shop.aap.org or search www.healthychildren.org for more information. In PA, please send your health and safety request with your name and phone number to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Asthma is among the most common chronic health conditions of childhood. Untreated asthma can make it difficult to play, learn, and grow. Warning signs include coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, and tightness in the chest. An asthma trigger is anything that causes an asthma episode. Common triggers include allergies, illness, exercise, chemicals, and smoke. Consistent care of children with asthma at home and in the child care setting is critical to their wellbeing.
Early care and education professionals should have an Asthma Action Plan for any child or staff member who has asthma. The Asthma Action Plan provides instruction from the health professional about what to do if the child has an asthma episode. The Asthma Action Plan explains the specific care the child or staff member may need. The form identifies known triggers, what medications to use, when and how to use them, and when to contact the health care provider or go to the hospital. Everyone who cares for a child with asthma or works with adults with asthma should follow the individual’s Asthma Action Plan. Reviewed and reaffirmed 6/2018.
General information for parents and caregivers about the adverse effects of indoor pollutants on children with asthma. See Managing Chronic Health Needs in Child Care and Schools, 2nd Edition available from the bookstore of the American Academy of Pediatrics at https://shop.aap.org or search www.healthychildren.org, "Role of Indoor Environmental Exposure in Childhood Asthma", for more information. In PA, please send your health and safety request with your name and phone number to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Kids Asthma Management Program (KAMP) of Crozer-Keystone Hospital System gives the following 8 tips to families of children with asthma:
Adapted with permission of Zalika Shani, MPH, MCHES, Program Manager, and Dr. Vatsala Ramprasad, Pulmonologist, Kids Asthma Management Program. Crozer-Chester Hospital, Delaware County, Pennsylvania
This handout provides links to state and national organizations with rich content related to asthma on their websites or ability to offer in-person/online asthma education. In addition, there are links to many useful forms and handouts,some in both English and Spanish. Updated February 2015.
Click here for asthma information available from this U.S. Government website. You will find information sheets and forms to help child care providers care for children with asthma as well as information about other lung diseases. These include emergency protocols, guidance for handling physical activity for children with asthma, and a checklist of environmental factors that child care providers can remove to decrease illness among children with asthma . Many of the materials are in English and Spanish. 12/2012
This workshop uses interactive discussion, visual aids and hands-on demonstrations to address the causes, symptoms, bodily responses, and current prevention and management for asthma episodes.
This asthma website includes handy forms and links to other resources for the care of children with asthma in English and Spanish. These forms help families and early care and education providers exchange information easily when the child is having symptoms at home or in the program. Other forms on the website help health professionals to communicate their recommendations for the child's care to families and other caregivers. Reviewed and reaffirmed 3/2018.