Asthma Care

Consultants and advisors are available for you.

The Missouri Healthy Schools team includes experienced professionals who are available to answer your questions, provide training, and support your decision-making.  Your consultants for Asthma Care are:

• Rebecca Brown, RRT, MPA, AE-C - Certified Asthma Educator - University of Missouri Asthma Ready Communities 
• Tammy Rood, NP, DNP - University of Missouri, Department of Child Health - Asthma Ready Communities
• Peggy Gaddy, RRT, MBA - Program Manager - Missouri Asthma Prevention and Control Program - Department of Health and Senior Services

Contact Project Manager Anna Trainer, MPH with general inquiries.     

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Downloads, webinars and videos

The Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America's updated COVID-19 and Asthma Toolkit for Schools
​>> Main topics: Toolkit includes guidance on face coverings, how to choose safe and effective hand sanitizer, expanded resources, and a new respiratory symptoms chart: "Is it COVID-19, the Flu, a Cold, Allergies or Asthma?"
>> Access the toolkit: Click here 
>> Access the respiratory symptoms chart: Click here 
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Back to School Planning for Asthma Management - COVID-19 Response for School Nurses 
​Webinar with Handouts
hosted on July 14, 2020 by University of Missouri Asthma Ready Communities and Missouri Asthma Prevention and Control Program
>> Main topics: switching from nebulizer to meter dose inhaler (MDI) for quick rescue medication, Q&A with school nurses
>> Access the webinar: Click here 
>> Handouts: slide deck
>> Special offer: Participants in the recorded web-based training sessions can receive one free start-up kit for their school district. This kit will include three spacers with mask, sample of disposable spacers, and educational materials.
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​Spacers for Administering Quick Relief Medication
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, school nurses are switching from nebulizer to meter dose inhaler (MDI) for quick rescue medication. Free start-up kits and additional spacers are available for purchase at discounted rates.  The Allergy and Asthma Foundation (St. Louis Chapter) is handling orders for schools statewide.
​>> Order free start-up kits and additional spacers: Click here 
>> How to order free start-up kit: slide deck
>> Request prescription from healthcare provider: form letter
>> Questions: Contact Chris Martinez, Executive Director - Allergy and Asthma Foundation (St. Louis Chapter) -- cmartinez@aafastl.org
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​Managing Asthma and Allergies During COVID-19
​Presentation by Robin Wallin DNP, RN, CPNP-PC, NCSN​
on Aug 7, 2020
>> Main topics: nebulizers vs. meter dose inhalers, care guidelines
>> Handouts: slide deck​
>> Webinar recording: coming soon
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​Back to School: Considerations for Students with Asthma in the Era of COVID-19 (Recording and Resources)​
presented by the Allergy & Asthma Network, first aired on Wednesday, July 29, 2020
The speakers offer direction to families and health professionals on how to help children with asthma prepare for a very unusual school year.  Provides overview of available resources to assist schools and families from Allergy & Asthma Network.
>> Access the webinar: Click here 
>> Handouts: slide deck
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​Daily Home Screening for Students
Checklist of COVID-19 symptoms and exposure history for daily use at home to clear students for school. This CDC recommended form addresses special issues related to the cross-over between COVID-19 and asthma symptoms (e.g., cough).
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​Asthma Care at School During COVID-19 
This flowchart from Allergy & Asthma Network assists a school nurse in deciding if a student reporting to the School Health Office with respiratory symptoms could have COVID-19. 
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Save the date. Upcoming events.

Read success stories and case studies. 

• Coming soon

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I use a nebulizer to provide quick relief medication (e.g., albuterol)?
  >> Answer: Use of a nebulizer is NOT recommended during the Covid19 pandemic.  Use a meter dose inhaler with a valved holding chamber.
    
• Cough is a symptom of Covid19.  Can a child with asthma who coughs frequently still come to school?
  >> Answer: The CDC recommended symptom screener for schools addresses this issue noting that daily home health screening for students should focus on new onset cough or change in cough from the student's baseline: New uncontrolled cough that causes difficulty breathing (for students with chronic allergic/ asthmatic cough, a change in their cough from baseline).  Click here to view the CDC's recommended daily home health screener form.
  
  
• Can I use corrugated tubing as a spacer when I use stock albuterol?  
  >> Answer: No, because there is no one-way valve, which is necessary to prevent cross-contamination.  

• How I do get the free start-up kit (with Covid19 asthma care supplies) for my school school or district?  
  >> Answer: The Allergy and Asthma Foundation - St. Louis Chapter is handling distribution of kits. Request your kit here.   


• Should masks be worn by people with asthma?  
  >> Answer: In most cases yes.  Currently, the CDC is recommending that all people over age 2 wear a cloth face covering when in public or when around people who don’t live in your household. The guidelines for school settings are age 9.  The Allergy & Asthma Network addresses this question with a thorough response here.