Christopher Areglado is among the 9 million children in the United States with asthma. Even though the common childhood disease has effective treatments, his mother still worries.    

"It's nerve-racking, you know, because you're not sure, does he have a cold or is he reacting to something else?  I'm never quite sure what's causing it or how long he'll be sick for," said Cindy Areglado, Christopher's mother.     

The start of a new school year often means a return of viruses, a common trigger for asthma. Before Christopher heads to the classroom, his doctor fills out a written action plan that's given to the school nurse.   

"Anybody who comes into contact with that child during the school day will be prepared for any emergency situation and they will know the action to take for that child," said Kim Borgonzi, a school nurse.    

The plan details asthma triggers and symptoms, actions for the staff to take, medications to give the child and when to seek emergency care. 
 
"I feel much better about everything, we went over the plan. They know what to do so I feel really comfortable with everything now," said Cindy.     
Comfortable and ready to send her son on to first grade.