Wake Schools Helping Students With Asthma Breathe Easier

Asthma is also the No. 1 reason for missed school days and missed work days for parents.

Roaches, mold and dust mites are all triggers for asthma attacks.

Adam Brummer, a second grader at Brooks Elementary, has asthma triggered by pollen and animal dander.

Adam and his mom, Sharon Reimers, know how dangerous asthma can be.

"He spent the night in the ER one time. That was pretty frightening for him and I don't think he's ever forgotten it," she said.

Reimers cannot help her son when he has breathing problems while at school.

That is why Wake County schools have nurses who develop action plans for each student with asthma. They also welcome asthma educators from Rex Hospital, like Diana Statler.

Statler shows the students how to control their own asthma.

Without medicine and equipment at school, many parents play it safe.

"I've always tended to keep him home, but then they miss a lot of school," Reimers said.

Now, schools are giving parents peace of mind.

"So we're giving all the Wake County elementary and middle schools a nebulizer to use. That way the parents don't have to haul it back and forth," Statler said.

Nebulizers and spacers help the children breathe easier and get back to class.