| ” Children's Asthma Attacks Surge at Start of School Year | 06.09.08 |
| The number of severe asthma attacks among children skyrockets at the start of the school year, according to studies done by U.S. and Canadian researchers. They found that more than six times as many asthmatic children are admitted to the hospital in early fall than in the summer, Gannett News Service reported. "Researchers speculate that it has to do with kids getting together in small indoor spaces again and passing around viruses. Getting a respiratory virus such as the flu or a cold can trigger an asthma attack," said Norman Edelman of the American Lung Association. There are many other possible factors, including indoor air pollution, mold growing on ceiling tiles, fur shed by pet rodents in classrooms, or fumes from cleaners used by school janitors. "Then there's the problem of the diesel-powered school bus sitting out front (of the school) with its motor running," Edelman told Gannett News Service. In addition, many parents of children with asthma fail to provide teachers and school officials with the medication and information needed to prevent a serious asthma attack. Edelman recommended that parents consult with their child's doctor and write up an asthma action plan to inform school staff about the child's asthma symptoms, daily medications, and limits on physical activity, Gannett reported. ----- YahooIHealth |