Pre-Order the Student Asthma Handbook: A Resource for Children and Families with Asthma

Respiratory Health Association has created a new asthma student handbook titled “Your Asthma and You: A Guide to Healthy Breathing” to help kids learn about asthma and how to take care of their lungs. This free resource is designed for students, with support from parents, caregivers, teachers, and healthcare providers.

What’s Included in the Handbook

The handbook includes easy-to-follow sections that help students learn, practice, and feel more prepared to manage their asthma:

All About Asthma

Students learn what asthma is, how the breathing system works, how asthma is diagnosed, why asthma happens, how asthma can feel, warning signs, and common asthma myths and facts. This section also includes a respiratory system color-by-number activity.

Triggers

Students learn what asthma triggers are, common types of triggers, and tips for avoiding triggers. This section also includes “Know Your Enemy” and “Spot the Trigger” visuals to help students recognize what may bother their lungs.

Medication

Students learn about asthma medicines, including controller and rescue medicines, what a spacer is and why it matters, tips for taking medicine, and how to build safe medicine habits. This section also includes an Inhaler Champion Checklist and information about self-carry.

Talking to Doctors and Medical Visits

Students learn how to talk to their doctor, what to expect during medical visits, and what may happen during a hospital or emergency room visit.

The Emotional and Social Side of Asthma

Students learn that asthma can affect feelings too. This section helps students understand big emotions, talk about how they feel, and remember that they can still have big dreams and strong lungs.

Vaping and Asthma: Protect Your Lungs

Students learn why vaping can harm their lungs and what to think about before trying it.

Activities and Student Resource Hub

The handbook includes activities like scenarios, decision-making practice, and an asthma crossword. It also includes a trusted adults circle, emergency quick guide, and important emergency phone numbers page.

How can I get a copy of the Asthma Student Handbook?

Respiratory Health Association will make the handbook available at no cost to schools, healthcare providers, and community partners. It is designed to be shared with students who have asthma and their families to help them feel prepared, supported, and confident in managing asthma every day.

Note for those residing outside Illinois: Currently, the handbook is only available at no cost to caregivers residing in Illinois.