Asthma
Asthma and COVID-19
Current CDC Guidance recommends the use of spacers/valved-holding chambers and an MDI instead of nebulizer-delivered asthma medication when feasible to reduce the chance of aerosolization and transmission of COVID. Schools cannot prohibit nebulizer use if the private healthcare provider determines nebulization is required. Schools should maintain student and staff safety following current CDC guidance.
NYSCSH Resources
NYSCSH Resource Toolkit for Asthma Management during COVID-19 (NYSCSH 8/2020)
Provides information about the use of MDI with a spacer over the nebulizers, sample parent letters about MDI use, and a sample permission form for use of a school-provided spacer or valved holding chamber sample charts for COVID vs flu vs cold vs allergies, and links to evidence-based care.
Advocacy Organizations
Allergy & Asthma Network
provides education, advocacy, and resources for schools and families. They have added resources specific to COVID and managing asthma.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI)
This professional organization is made up of allergists/immunologists, other medical specialists, allied health, and related healthcare professionals dedicated to the practice of allergy, asthma, and immunology.
American Association for Respiratory Care Guide to Aerosol Delivery Devices 4th Edition
Contains information on aerosol delivery technologies and hazards of aerosol therapy that can impact the patient receiving therapy as well as care providers and bystanders.
American Lung Association
Resources for students, families, and schools include Asthma Basics, Asthma-Friendly Schools Initiative, Asthma Medication in Schools, Back to School with Asthma Toolkit, Kickin' Asthma, and Open Airways For Schools.
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
Asthma and Allergy Research
Risk factors such as poverty, exposure to pollutants, and access to health care play an important role in asthma management as well. Knowing what puts someone at higher risk for asthma is an important part of understanding and treating the disease
AADA COVID-19 and Asthma Toolkit for Schools
Provides information on required and/or suggested face masks or coverings, physical distancing, schedule changes, and new cleaning practices.
CDC Asthma
Provides information on developing, implementing, and evaluating school-based asthma programs and a toolkit for districts and schools to create asthma-friendly schools. Includes information for school leaders.
Global Initiative For Asthma (GINA)
GINA was launched in 1993 in collaboration with the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, USA, and the World Health Organization. GINA’s program is determined, and its strategies for asthma care are shaped by committees made up of leading asthma experts from around the world.
Pocket Guide for Asthma Management and Prevention - Health Professionals
National Lung, Blood and Heart Institute (NHLBI) Asthma Resources
New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Asthma Resources Page
Includes asthma management and medication fact sheets, an Open Airways School-based Asthma Program, and other resources in multiple languages.
New York State Department of Health Asthma Resources Page
Provides Asthma Clinical Guideline Tool, Asthma Action Plans in English/Spanish with an area for provider attestation and parent permission, NYS Asthma Data, and Statistics, Steps to follow for an Asthma Attack in the School Setting brochures and posters, and resources order form.
NYSDOH Asthma Data on Asthma ED Visits and Hospitalizations By County
See Also:
- Guidelines & Memos - Asthma
- Laws & Commissioner's Regulations - Asthma
- Sample | Forms - Disease Specific - Action Plans, Sample Spacer/Valved Holding Chamber Permission Forms
- Learning Management System (LMS) - Asthma Management in Schools
Page Updated 9/11/23
