Is it Legal to Carry an Inhaler at School?

It's the middle of summer, but I'm still thinking about Back To School Time again. 

Time to make sure the kids have their asthma inhalers for school. 

I check the expiration dates on their inhaler to see if they have enough albuterol for the school year. I just found out daughter Kitty's inhaler had expired.

People ask me if it's legal for kids to carry their inhaler at school? 

Don't all schools have a Zero Tolerance when it comes to "drugs" in schools?

In the U.S, it's legal in EVERY state for kids with asthma to self carry their inhaler.  

HOWEVER-you must fill out a special form at the beginning of every school year. In our state, there is a form called the "Self Administration Form." 

That means your child knows their asthma triggers, can recognize the symptoms of an asthma attack, and use their inhaler by themselves. 

There are different versions of this form, American Lung Association usually has the latest form on their website. 

The doctor fills it out, and you and the doctor both sign it. 

Then you give a copy to the school nurse. That gives your child permission to carry a medication in a drug-free zone. 

You don't want your child's inhaler locked up in the front office if they're out on the soccer field having an asthma attack. You need to use that inhaler immediately!

The other form you need to fill out is called an Asthma Action Plan, there are also different versions of that. So ask your school nurse or check out American Lung Association's website. 

Asthma Action Plans are set up like a stop light - red, yellow, and green zones. It tells your child's teacher what to do if your child is in a certain zone.

Green means GO. Your child is in his normal zone. (No symptoms)

Yellow means CAUTION. Your child needs to "step up therapy" because they are starting to cough/wheeze/are short of breath, etc. They usually need to use their inhaler in this zone.

Red means STOP! Get help now!  This is when medication isn't helping your child, they cannot walk or play and they're having a difficult time talking. This means get to your nearest Emergency Room as fast as you can or Call 911. 

These zones are different for each child, that's why it's important for you to have an Asthma Action Plan. This tells your child's teacher what to do if your child has an asthma attack. 

So even though it's still summer, it's time to start getting forms ready BEFORE school starts so your child can carry their inhaler with them at school. 

Remember to check the expiration dates on their asthma inhaler and Epi Pen too.

Until then, keep swimming and enjoying summer!