Making the grade with asthma, allergies, and anaphylaxis.

For some students with asthma, allergies, or anaphylaxis, school attendance can be risky. School administrators and educators are ill prepared to address medical challenges of students with chronic illness. Yet, the number of school nurses employed in the United States and the nurse-student ratio is uncertain. An unknown number of schools restrict children's rights to carry prescribed lifesaving medications while at or traveling to and from school or on field trips. Additionally, school indoor air quality is often poor and adversely affects students' health. Nurses are natural educators and advocates. Both of these roles are instrumental in empowering families to ensure the health of their children with asthma and allergies while in school.