Talking About Asthma 

Sharing health information is a personal decision

• It can be helpful for people close to you – such as family and friends – to talk about your asthma
• If people close to you know about it, they can support you best
• It may be useful to share some information with school in case of an asthma attack and ask them to store emergency medication

There should never be pressure on you to more than feels comfortable. 

Talking About Asthma with Others

People around you – friends, classmates, teachers, or others – may

• Have heard about asthma, but don’t know specific details or your individual symptoms
• Notice when you use your inhaler and might ask questions
• Ask questions out of concern and interest in you and your well-being

Letting others know about your triggers can prevent uncomfortable situations – such as having to leave early, cancel plans, or risk exposure to smoke or pet dander when spending time with friends.

Talking About Asthma in School, College, and Work

Just as it can be helpful to share basic information with friends and family, it may also be beneficial to do so at school, college, or in the workplace.

Consider sharing

• A copy of your asthma action plan
• Medication, if you cannot always keep it with you (e.g., give a spare inhaler to the school nurse)
•  Contact information for your doctor

Request accommodations in school

• A 504 plan, which provides accommodations like flexible attendance for medical appointments, adjustments in physical education, and permission to carry and use medication in class.
• An IEP (Individualized Education Program) plan, which is less commonly used for asthma, but may include educational modifications for students with more complex needs. 

Accommodations in college

• At the college level, 504 or IEP plans from school do not automatically continue
• Accommodations are still available through the college’s Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD)
• Things you could share with your roommates
  • Which asthma triggers you should avoid (e.g., dust, perfumes, cleaning supplies…)
  • How your asthma symptoms look like 
  • What to do in an emergency, including how to find and use your medication

Sport and leisure activities

If you are participating in sports, coaches should be informed about your asthma and how to respond in the event of an asthma attack. It is also important to communicate any personal physical limits related to asthma.