1 Asthma Management In Educational Settings Classroom Teacher Education Module

2 Overview Asthma Basics How to help students control asthma Be prepared Reduce triggers Recognize symptoms Understand medications How to handle an asthma emergency Other classroom issues Exercise and asthma Resources

3 Asthma Basics What is asthma? Chronic lung condition that causes breathing problems (asthma attacks) Manageable disease Who has asthma? 4.8M US, 150K (1 in 10) Washington children Level of severity varies from student to student

4 Asthma Basics (cont.) What happens during an asthma attack? Airways in lungs become smaller; extra mucus in airways can further block air Symptoms include: coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath What can trigger an asthma attack? Respiratory illness, allergens, weather, irritants, emotions, exercise Students may have different triggers

5 Asthma Basics (cont.)

6 How to Help Students Control Asthma: Be Prepared Review student’s asthma management plan Contact information Student’s triggers Asthma symptoms Use of medications Treatment plan Have convenient access to asthma medications

7 How to Help Students Control Asthma: Reduce Triggers Animals Remove, isolate, keep cages clean Cockroaches and other pests Look for signs; do not leave food, water or garbage exposed; remove pest pathways and shelters; and use pest control products Mold Second-hand smoke Dust mites Regularly clean floors, upholstered furniture, pillows, etc. Volatile Organic Compound exposure Use safer alternatives for felt-tip pens, cleaning materials and art supplies

8 How to Help Students Control Asthma: Recognize Symptoms Know student’s early warning signs, for example: Coughing Stuffy or runny nose Fatigue Agitation Irritability Know student’s asthma attack signs, for example: Becoming anxious or scared Wheezing while breathing Incessant coughing Tightness in chest Shortness of breath Sweaty, clammy skin

9 How to Help Students Control Asthma: Understand Medications Preventive medications taken daily e.g., Azmacort, Flovent, Singulair, Intal Rescue medications to treat and relieve symptoms as needed e.g., Ventolin, Proventil, Maxair Using a metered dose inhaler/peak flow meter Understand the possible side effects

10 How to Handle an Asthma Emergency Contact the school nurse Provide medications as directed by School Emergency Asthma Plan Encourage student to relax and take slow, deep breaths Always have someone accompany the student with asthma symptoms when going to the office or nurse’s office

11 How to Handle an Asthma Emergency (cont.) Call 911 if: No improvement minutes after initial treatment with medication Medications are not available and student has signs of asthma attack Lips or nail beds turn gray or blue (students with light complexions) Paling of lips or nail beds (students with dark complexions) Decreasing or loss of consciousness

12 Other Classroom Issues Asthma and physical activity Exercise-induced asthma is more common Encourage physical activity and asthma control: Have student take medication before activity Provide warm-up and cool-down activities Adjust activity as necessary Monitor student Develop clear, fair procedure for handling missed schoolwork

13 Resources Spokane Camp Champ Statewide Websites