Back-to-School Asthma: 6 Steps Bronx Families Can Take Before September

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Preparing Children with Asthma for A Healthy Year at School 



By Natalie Trotto, DO, Pediatric Asthma & Allergy Specialist and Shoshana Fiorino, Senior Study Coordinator, Children’s Hospital at Montefiore Einstein 

Bronx Voice 

August 25, 2026


NEW YORK, NY - For many Bronx families, back-to-school season also means preparing for asthma season. September is often a busy time of year for asthma-related emergency room visits in children, especially in the Bronx, where asthma rates are among the highest in New York City.  


Asthma, one of the most common chronic conditions affecting children, leads to inflammation in the airways, which can make it harder to breathe. Many asthma flare-ups happen in the Fall season. This is known as the “September Asthma Peak,” because seasonal allergies to pollens like ragweed can cause a spike in asthma attacks, emergency room visits, and hospitalizations. 


Children are also returning to crowded classrooms and might be more exposed to respiratory infections like the flu and common colds. Other common triggers include dust, smoke, air pollution, pet dander, mold, exercise, and extreme weather changes. 


Back-to-School Checklist 


Before school starts, here are some things families should consider:  


  1. Check your child’s inhalers and spacers: Make sure inhalers are not empty or expired before school starts. 

 

  1. Schedule an asthma check-up with your doctor: Plan to talk about your child’s medications, triggers, and symptoms. 

 

  1. Create or update your child’s Asthma Action Plan with your doctor: An Asthma Action Plan helps families manage their child’s asthma and is customized for each individual. It uses a traffic light format to help you and your child know what medications to take and when to seek care, depending on how your child is feeling: 
  • Green Zone is for everyday and when your child is feeling well. 
  • Yellow Zone is for when your child is not feeling well and is starting to have symptoms like mild coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath. 
  • Red Zone is for when your child is not improving and needs urgent treatment to prevent symptoms from getting worse. 


  1. Update your child’s Medication Administration Form (MAF): The MAF allows the school nurse to administer asthma medication in certain situations, such as in emergencies. 

 

  1. Share your child’s Asthma Action Plan and MAF with their school: Be sure to give copies of the Asthma Plan and MAF to the school. 

 

  1. Talk to your child: Help your child understand their asthma symptoms and when to ask an adult for help.  


We are Here to Help 


Asthma is a manageable condition. With planning, children with asthma can fully participate in school, sports, and other childhood activities. A little preparation now can mean fewer missed school days and fewer emergency room visits during the year.  


At the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore Einstein, we have specialists to help you manage your child’s asthma. We are happy to work with you to prepare for school and help keep your child’s asthma under control as the Fall season and “September Asthma Peak” approaches. 


For more information about asthma and allergy specialists and services at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore Einstein, visit https://cham.org/specialties-and-programs/allergy-immunology  


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