Key takeaways

• Detroit kids under 18 were nearly three times more likely to end up in the hospital for asthma than other Michigan kids.
• September brings the biggest rise in asthma flare-ups for children.
• A clear asthma action plan guides parents and teachers when symptoms appear.
• Simple steps at home and school can lower triggers and keep kids breathing easy.

What is an asthma action plan?

An asthma action plan is a simple, written guide for managing asthma. It lists daily medicines, emergency steps, and when to call a doctor. Every plan matches each child’s needs. Also, it helps parents, teachers, and caregivers act fast. In fact, using an asthma action plan can prevent serious attacks and ER visits.

Why Detroit kids face higher asthma risks

Data from 2019 to 2023 shows Detroit children 17 and younger go to the hospital for asthma almost three times more than other kids in Michigan. Even worse, their asthma death rate is four times the state average. Dying from asthma is rare and largely preventable.

Moreover, Detroit ranks as the toughest city to live with asthma in the U.S. That ranking comes from factors like income levels and poor air quality. For example, smoke from Canadian wildfires often settles over downtown Detroit. As a result, air pollution spikes and breathing problems rise.

Additionally, Focus: HOPE’s early education center saw a 20 percent jump in asthma cases during the last school year. We served thirty children with asthma. Although part of the Head Start program shut down in August 2025, our team stays committed to helping families. We keep finding new ways to support at-risk children.

What worsens asthma symptoms

Asthma makes the airways swell and narrow. Sometimes, the lungs fill with extra mucus. Then breathing feels hard. Common symptoms include coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

Triggers vary. For instance, mold and pollen lurk at home or school. Viral bugs come around when kids share desks and toys. Even cutting grass or running outside on high-pollen days can spark coughing fits. Also, cleaning sprays and strong scents can irritate airways.

Climate changes and more time indoors add to the problem. Urban areas like Detroit often have worse air quality too. All these factors together raise asthma attacks in children.

Understanding asthma medications

Doctors use several treatments to control asthma. Emergency inhalers act fast when symptoms start. Long-acting inhalers work daily to reduce swelling. Combination inhalers mix two medicines in one device. Finally, nebulizers turn liquid medicine into a mist.

Many parents worry about steroids in inhalers. They fear their child will grow resistant. However, inhaled steroids go straight to the lungs. They don’t affect the whole body like pills. In fact, they gently reduce daily inflammation and help prevent attacks.

Sometimes, doctors prescribe an oral steroid “burst.” This short-term treatment lasts five to seven days. It dramatically lowers severe inflammation. Then it tapers off to avoid side effects. Most importantly, these bursts can keep a child out of the emergency room.

How to use your asthma action plan

First, meet with your child’s provider to write the asthma action plan. It must include:
• Daily medicine names and doses
• Warning signs and symptoms
• Steps for mild, moderate, and severe attacks
• Emergency contacts and when to call 911

Then, label inhalers clearly with your child’s name and dosage. Ask the pharmacy for extra labels if needed. Also, keep a copy of the plan at home and send one to school.

Next, keep vaccines up to date. Shots against flu and COVID lower the risk of infections that can trigger asthma. In addition, limit exposure to outdoor allergens by checking air quality alerts before playtime.

Emergency medical plans at school

Schools need a plan for every student with asthma. Teachers and staff should know each child’s triggers and meds. They also need a copy of the asthma action plan on file.

Children should carry or have easy access to their inhaler. Make sure it’s labeled and stored properly. In case of a severe flare-up, school staff must follow the steps in the plan. Finally, they should know when to call parents or emergency services.

Protect your child from outdoor allergens at home

Everything a child brings inside can carry allergens. Here are simple steps to reduce triggers:
• Vacuum or dust floors at least twice a week. Use HEPA filters on vacuums and HVAC systems.
• Remove shoes at the door. Leave dirt and pollen outside.
• Change clothes and wash hands after outdoor play.
• Wash hair before bedtime. Pollen can stick to hair and pillowcases.
• Take a warm shower and blow the nose after coming indoors.
• Keep your child well hydrated to thin mucus and ease breathing.

Creating an asthma action plan together

Building an asthma action plan takes teamwork. Your child’s provider, school nurse, and family must all agree. Review the plan at least twice a year or after any hospital visit. Also, update it when your child moves or if air quality changes.

Moreover, talk about common triggers in your area. For example, learn what “poor air quality” means for breathing during wildfire smoke events. That way, everyone knows how to respond.

Finally, teach your child how to spot early warning signs. Then they can use their inhaler correctly or alert an adult. As a result, they gain confidence and feel safer at school and at home.

Living well with asthma takes planning and practice. However, a clear asthma action plan guides every step. Therefore, you help your child breathe easier and lead a healthier, happier life.

Frequently asked questions about asthma action plans

How often should I review the asthma action plan?

Review the plan every six months or after any major flare-up. Update it whenever your child’s medicines or symptoms change.

What should I do if my child’s inhaler is missing at school?

Contact the school nurse immediately. Provide a backup inhaler or plan for your child to carry one in a labeled case.

Can my child outgrow asthma?

Some children see fewer symptoms as they grow. However, many still need an asthma action plan. Avoid exposure to triggers and follow up with a provider regularly.

How can I prepare for poor air quality days?

Check daily air quality alerts online or via apps. Limit outdoor play when air quality is poor. Keep windows closed and run air filters indoors.