Managing asthma and allergies in schools: an opportunity to coordinate health care.

Abstract

Children spend a great deal of time in school and can be exposed to situations that increase their risk for an asthma exacerbation or a reaction to food. As such, the clinician can play a significant role in educating children, their families, and school personnel about principles that can be applied not only to manage reactions when they occur but also to prevent them. This theme issue will provide information on indoor allergens commonly present in school and day care settings, as well as information on how to manage children with asthma and food allergies in these settings.