Deep Breath:A School Based Asthma Management Program with Winning Results

Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the small airways of the lungs associated with recurrent episodes of wheezing, chest tightness, breathlessness and coughing. Asthma may occur at any age, but about 50% of cases occur in childhood and approximately 1 of 15 children is affected. Asthma accounts for a significant number of childhood emergency department visits, hospitalizations and more deaths than are necessary. In addition, asthmatic children often miss school resulting in lower achievement.

The Deep Breath program is taught to childhood asthmatics by School Based Health Center staff during ten educational sessions. The goals are to train children and adolescents how to manage asthma by understanding the medications, triggers and how to prevent flare-ups. Students who complete the program have had increased peak flow readings, fewer missed school days, fewer emergency room and doctor visits, and improved GPA. Most significantly the program teaches the tools that enable asthmatics to participate fully in their important activities of daily living.