Cindy Denomme EEC 4731

Overview Asthma is a health condition that affects the lungs. An asthma attack occurs when a person with asthma is exposed to a trigger that causes the sides of their airways to swell and the airway shrink. Less air can get in and out, and then mucus clogs the airways up even more. The triggers can be different from others afflicted with asthma, so knowing and avoiding the triggers are essential to avoiding an attack. Many children will outgrow asthma attacks as they grow and age.

Children Affected with Asthma Number of children who currently have asthma: 7.1 million Percent of children who currently have asthma: 9.6% Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Summary Health Statistics for U.S. Children: National Health Interview Survey, 2009, table 1 Summary Health Statistics for U.S. Children: National Health Interview Survey, 2009, table 1

What Causes Asthma? Scientists are not sure of the exact cause of asthma Factors that play an important role in the development of asthma include: Genetics – tend to run in families Allergies – linked to people who develop asthma Respiratory Infections – certain infections in infancy and early childhood can damage lung tissue thus making children susceptible Environmental- allergens, certain irritants or exposure to viral infections in infancy or early childhood Source: American Lung Association

Signs/Symptoms Wheezing Coughing Difficulty breathing Chest tightness

Triggers Secondhand smoke Dust mites Outdoor air pollution Mold Excessive exercise Perfume Spray-on deodorant Stress Some foods and food additives Strong emotional states Infections linked to influenza and colds Allergies Temperature changes Cockroach allergens

Management Know what the warning signs are Avoid triggers Take prescribed medications What I can do: Educate myself on emergency protocol Set up meeting with parents to get information regarding triggers Set up an action plan in case of an attack Observe/record child before, during, and after attack Ongoing communication with the parents regarding child

Teaching Modifications Keep classroom clean Avoid aerosols in the classroom Keep air vents free from obstruction Keep child indoors if a big change in temperature Avoid strenuous exercise

How I Would Address Asthma in the Classroom Inform the students about asthma and explain why the child may take medications Talk to the class about what we as a class can do to help For example, what triggers can we avoid to help the child with asthma (avoiding strong smells and keeping classroom free from dust) Encourage students to stay home if they are sick

References American Lung Association. (n.d.). Understanding asthma. Retrieved on January 25, 2011 from asthma/understanding-asthma.html. asthma/understanding-asthma.html Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2009, March 6). Asthma. Retrieved on January 24, 2011 from Marotz, L.R., Cross, M.Z., & Rush, J.M. (2009). Health, safety, and nutrition for the young child (7 th ed.). Albany, NY: Delmar.