Back to School with Allergies and Asthma

Sending a child to school with asthma and allergies can feel overwhelming for many parents. Will your child be safe? Will severe symptoms be recognized and treated in time? These concerns are common – not just for families, but for teachers, school nurses and staff as well.

The good news: with education, preparation and strong communication, students with asthma and allergies can thrive in the classroom.

Asthma and allergies are two of the most common chronic conditions in children – and among the top reasons they miss school. But it doesn’t have to be that way. When parents, educators and healthcare providers work as a team, children can stay healthy, safe, and focused on learning.

The resources listed below are designed to help parents and school staff. You’ll find practical tips, tools, posters, and more – all created to support families and schools in managing asthma and allergies with confidence.

Managing asthma at school

Discover how to keep your child’s asthma symptoms under control throughout the school day and how schools can effectively treat asthma attacks.

From completing health forms before the school year starts to identifying asthma triggers and tracking symptoms, our Asthma Resources help parents, students and school staff stay informed and prepared to manage asthma symptoms. It also helps offers vital information on asthma management and how to create asthma-friendly schools.

Managing allergies at school

Help create a safer, more supportive environment for schoolchildren with allergy symptoms (including allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma). Our Allergy Resources provide practical tools and guidance for parents, students and school staff – food and environmental allergies to latex sensitivity.

The resources address environmental, food, insect venom and latex allergies. You will find everything you need to reduce the risk of allergies at school, including severe allergic reactions. With planning and open communication, students with allergies can focus on what matters most – learning, making friends, and enjoying their school experience.

Planning for school with food allergies

School can present unique challenges for parents and students – from ensuring safe school lunches to developing policies for emergency treatment. Parents and school staff can work together to ensure a safe, inclusive environment where every child learns and thrives.

Our Food Allergy Resources help parents and school health officials partner to remove allergic triggers and reduce the risk of an allergic reaction.

School resources for managing allergies and asthma

Support students with asthma and allergies with confidence. Explore a wide range of practical tools – checklists, downloadable posters, staff training materials, step-by-step guides, and more – all designed to make school a safer, more inclusive place for every child.

Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, teacher, school nurse or staff member, these School Resources help improve safety at school and empower students to succeed in the classroom and beyond. Working together, we can create a healthy school environment for all.

Advocacy for students with allergies and asthma

At Allergy & Asthma Network, we work alongside patient advocates to champion policies that protect and support students living with asthma and allergies. By building strong relationships with federal and state lawmakers, we help ensure these health needs are recognized and addressed in schools nationwide.

We identify key legislation that parents, caregivers, students, school staff and nurses should be aware of – and support whenever possible. This can help create safer, more inclusive learning environments at school.

• Federal laws to protect those with allergies and asthma
• State laws to protect those with allergies and asthma

We encourage you to get involved and become an advocate. And we invite you to join us in May in Washington, DC, to advocate for school health laws, policies and regulations at our annual Allergy & Asthma Day Capitol Hill.