Asthma

Asthma and Summer 

Summer break in Minnesota is a great time for children and youth to recharge and play outdoors, but it's not a good time to take a break from asthma medications and asthma management. 

Follow these five tips to have a healthy summer and prep for school in the fall: 

• If prescribed, that your asthma controller everyday
  Children who reduce or stop taking their asthma controller medications during the summer months are at greater risk of serious asthma symptoms in the fall. 
• Schedule an asthma check-up 
  It's especially important for children to see their health care provider before school starts in the fall to adjust asthma medications, check inhaler technique, and get an updated written Asthma Action Plan (AAP). Keep one copy at home and give a copy to school nurse.
• Know and avoid your asthma triggers
  Each person's asthma responds to different triggers, such as colds and respiratory infections, pollen, air pollution, wildfire smoke, and exercise, which can lead to an asthma attack. Work with your healthcare provider to create a written AAP that lists your asthma triggers and what to do to keep your asthma well controlled. 
• Play with asthma
  Be smart when you exercise!! Avoid exercising outdoors on days when the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency issues an Air Quality Alert.  
• Pack smart for camp and travel 
  Make sure all asthma medications are packed. If your child is going to camp, talk with your child's camp counselor and camp medical staff so they have a copy of child's written asthma action plan. 
   
• Camp Superkids - a Camp for Kids with Asthma
  August 23-27, 2026 
  Camp Superkids has been operating at Camp Ihduhapi for over 50 years! It’s a life-changing overnight camp that teaches young people and their families about how to better manage their asthma. This experience helps kids with asthma feel more independent and confident.