[Dealing with asthma for teachers--needs and possibilities]

Teachers and schools are confronted with an increasing number of children with asthma. Teachers have to care for 2 to 4 children or adolescents with asthma in an average class; but they feel that they are not adequately informed to cope with such problems.

In 1999 and 2000, we conducted an inquiry in schools in the region of Osnabrueck. This investigation used approximately the same tools as a previous inquiry in Vienna. Results were similar and demonstrated deficits in the knowledge about asthma and in the ability to manage children with asthma exacerbations. At the same time, we offered a three-hour-programme in 40 schools and nurseries, to be given in the rooms of the schools. We always tried to reach all teachers of one school. Topics were: What is asthma? Self grading of severity; asthma and sports; emergency management; avoidance of triggers.

There were 648 participants. There was much interest in the seminars, and we could not always admit all applicans. Theoretical and practical contents taught were, as judged by the participants, helpful in the average school settings. The participants felt that they were now better prepared and more competent in dealing with bronchial asthma in their pupils.

We conclude that such seminars are helpful for teachers. The program can be conducted with moderate financial and man power resources. One may aim at including such educational units into the regular curriculum of teachers, at least as far as the most common chronic childhood and adolescent diseases are concerned.