Colin Johnson is only allowed to have a few stuffed animals on his bed at a time. He also can't have curtains or blinds or carpet.

Typically, those items make a bedroom feel comfortable, but if kept at breathing-level they could trigger an asthma attack for him.

The 7-year-old boy has asthma that can be induced by mold or physical exertion.

Like Colin, about 4 million children under the age of 18 have had an asthma attack in the last 12 months, according to the American Lung Association.

It is one of the most common chronic conditions for children. It also is the most common cause of school absence for a chronic condition, according to American Lung Association.

Colin's mother, Bernadette Gossner, can reduce the chances of having to take a trip to the emergency room by limiting the amount of mold in their house and keeping a close eye on him during very humid or windy days.

But sending Colin back to school is a different story. He will enter the second grade at Riverside Elementary School this year.

"We have more control over the environment when it is at home," Gossner said. "In school when it rains a lot and there's a lot of moisture, he struggles a lot."

An attack can be triggered by physical exertion, cold weather, viral infections, perfumes and hair products — even the classroom hamster.

"Sometimes people can be around one or two triggers, but as you compound them then they'll have trouble breathing," said Judi Crouse, a registered respiratory therapist for Battle Creek Health System.

As debilitating as an asthma attack can be, it is also controllable.

Colin can take medication before gym class so he can run with the other kids. But air quality is still a problem, especially in the gymnasium or on the playground.

"If they're outside playing in gym class, or if it rains and there are wood chips, it is like a mold playground," Gossner said.

Christina Edwards has two young children with asthma. Emily Edwards, 7, will be in third grade this fall and Noah Edwards, 6, will go to second grade at Riverside Elementary School.

"Their asthma, I think, is worse in the winter, particularly going outside for recess," Christina Edwards said.

"We had to get a doctor's note that said when they are having trouble with their asthma they had to stay inside. Noah hates that," she said. "(He) really felt like it was a punishment."

In a 2003 survey for the American Lung Association, more than half of school nurses believe not enough is done by school staff to help children with asthma overcome feelings of isolation.

Most suggested that students use art and writing assignments to express their feelings about having asthma. Integrating physical activity for asthmatic students and creating a buddy system or club to sensitize students to asthma also were suggested.

"The schools try to do all they can to help out," said Kathy Bloch, K-12 health educator for Lakeview School District. "The custodians work all summer cleaning all the schools ... so it's really spotless when the kids come back to school."

In Lakeview schools, air ventilation system filters are replaced four times a year by the school custodians, and air quality is tested at least once a year by an outside organization, said Denise Myers, principal of Riverside Elementary School.

Both Gossner and Christina Edwards felt their school was doing a good job of facilitating medication and staying sensitive to their children's emotional needs.

Christina Edwards said Noah's teacher found indoor activities he could do while other children played outside so that staying inside did not feel like a punishment.

She also said it is important to empower her children to speak up for themselves.

"I talk to them about what to expect when they have an asthma attack so they are not surprised," she said.

If her children have trouble breathing, she tells them, "You go and get an adult, and you say something is wrong and you need help," she said. "And don't ever say it if it's not true."

Gossner's advice is to sit down with the school nurse and discuss your child's condition and best treatment at the beginning of every school year.

"We kind of have a mini-training session at the beginning of every year," she said.

She has learned to be proactive about setting up meetings with school administration and staff to keep them informed about her son's condition.

"You have to advocate for your child because no one else will," she said. "We've learned that along the way."
 
 

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