School-Based Management of the Child With an Acute Asthma Episode

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways that affects 5 million American children. In the past decade, asthma morbidity has dramatically increased. This increase is particularly apparent in poor minority inner-city children. School-based health centers offer a conveniently located setting for the acute treatment and longterm management of childhood asthma. Treatment of asthma using the most recent management guidelines offered in a school setting should result in a decrease in the morbidity and mortality associated with pediatric asthma.