nurse development: children with allergies & asthma

Children with Allergies & Asthma

What is a Pediatric Allergist/Immunologist?
A pediatric allergist/immunologist is a medical doctor trained in allergy, asthma, and immunology. Review What is a Pediatric Allergist-Immunologist? to learn more about this health professional's role.

The 17th annual "Living with Asthma" poster contest, co-sponsored by the AAAAI (American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) - see recent winners.

Pediatric Asthma Pamplets - SEE BELOW!!

Some of the materials listed below can simply be downloaded from this page, while other featured products can be purchased through the American Academy of Pediatrics Online BookStore or by contacting the AAP Customer Service Center at 866/THE-AAP1.

Books (top)

Guide to Your Child's Asthma and Allergies (2000) - With allergies and asthma on the rise (asthma now affects close to 5 million children in the United States), parents need answers more than ever. The Guide to Your Child’s Allergies and Asthma includes real-life questions and answers, highlighted tips, and tables to help parents raise healthy, active children. This resource includes up-to-the-minute advice from pediatricians on how to identify allergies and asthma, prevent attacks, minimize triggers and avoid allergens, understand and choose medications, explain allergies to young children, and help children of all ages manage their symptoms.

Pediatric Environmental Health Handbook (2nd Edition, 2003) - Environmental hazards are among parents’ top health concerns for their children, yet little time is spent training physicians to recognize and treat ailments resulting from exposure to harmful substances and environments. More than 30 chapters of this book cover prevention and treatment of hazards, including asbestos, radiation, UV rays, pesticides, pollution, lead, tobacco, electric and magnetic fields, noise, food contaminants, and more. Preventing asthma attacks by reducing environmental triggers is also addressed.

Care of the Young Athlete (2000) - This comprehensive manual provides pediatrics professionals with a single-source reference for all aspects of childhood athletics. Organized as an easy-to-use guide, the book includes practical procedural information on the preparticipation physical exam, proper nutrition for athletes, and injury management during competition, plus detailed treatments for dozens of athletic injuries.

Pamphlets (top)

NEW - Asthma and Your Child - This brochure helps parents and children with asthma recognize the symptoms and triggers of asthma attacks. Discusses importance of asthma management at school. It also addresses common questions about asthma to help parents and kids become active partners in asthma management and clearly explains peak flow rate measurements.

Students with Chronic Health Conditions: Guidance for Families, Schools, and Students - This AAP brochure gives clear, practical advice for parents, schools, students, and pediatricians to work together to create a safe and supportive place for students.

Pediatric Asthma - Handouts for Children and Families (PDF Files)
The following handouts were developed as part of the AAP Section on Allergy and Immunology Pediatric Asthma Speaker's Kit (through a cooperative agreement with the US Environmental Protection Agency).

Origins of Asthma
Diagnosis of Asthma
Non-Pharmacologic Approaches
Pharmacologic Management
Management Aids
Asthma and Schools
Overview

Allergies in Children - Outlines the causes of, and triggers for, the most common allergies in children. Provides parents with a list of symptoms to look for and helps them discern the difference between allergy and cold indicators. Offers tips to parents for helping to control their child's asthma.

Emergency Information Form for Children With Special Needs (PDF file) - Children with special needs sometimes pose unique challenges in emergency situations. This two-page form collects critical data to guide emergency caregivers, and includes diagnoses, past procedures, physical exams, allergy information, immunizations, specific problems, and management techniques.

Additional Resources (top)

The following resources are available from other allergy- and asthma-related organizations.

Students with Chronic Illnesses: Guidance for Families, Schools, and Students - This fact sheet from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute provides information about family and school district responsibility for responding to the needs of children with chronic conditions.

How Asthma-Friendly Is Your School? - Available in both English and Spanish, this resource includes a questionnaire and checklist for parents and personnel to determine whether their school is helping children manage their asthma.

School Nurse Kit Handouts - The AAP and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology developed numerous handouts to help parents and nurses better care for children with asthma and allergies. Refer to this Web page for downloadable handouts, forms, and PowerPoint presentations.