1. Breathing Easier

2. What is asthma? A chronic disease The lining of the airway becomes inflamed and swells. Mucus can build up. The swelling and mucus makes it hard to breathe. Pediatric Asthma Services, Pitt County Memorial Hospital. (2008). Helping you breath easier. University Health Systems of Eastern Carolina. http://www.airpurifiers.com/products/images/asthma2.jpg

3. EARLY warning signs Itchy, runny nose Itchy, soar throat Tightness or pain in chest Peak flow in yellow zone Pediatric Asthma Services, Pitt County Memorial Hospital. (2008). Helping you breath easier. University Health Systems of Eastern Carolina. Coughing (may be worse at night or with exercise) Wheezing http://www.emergencyanimal.com/b- images/coughing.jpg

4. Late warning signs- Emergency Fast Breathing Flaring nostrils Retractions- sinking of the skin between the ribs or front of neck Changes in skin color Difficulty walking or talking Peak flow in red zone Pediatric Asthma Services, Pitt County Memorial Hospital. (2008). Helping you breath easier. University Health Systems of Eastern Carolina.

5. Asthma Triggers Smoke and nicotine Cold and flu Pet dander Dust mites Mold/pollen Weather changes Strong odors/ fumes/ chemicals Medicine/food/insect bites Cockroaches Pediatric Asthma Services, Pitt County Memorial Hospital. (2008). Helping you breath easier. University Health Systems of Eastern Carolina. http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/adam/images/en/common- asthma-triggers-picture.jpg

6. Exercise can also trigger an asthma attack Pediatric Asthma Services, Pitt County Memorial Hospital. (2008). Helping you breath easier. University Health Systems of Eastern Carolina.

7. Inhalers Some inhalers are used as rescue medications. Example- albuterol Use as soon as you notice early or late signs of an asthma episode If exercise triggers asthma attacks, you can use inhalers 15-30 minutes before exercising to help prevent symptoms Pediatric Asthma Services, Pitt County Memorial Hospital. (2008). Helping you breath easier. University Health Systems of Eastern Carolina.

8. Spacers Spacers can be used as an attachment to the inhaler. Spacers allow more medicine to be inhaled by the lungs. A spacer is not needed for all children.

9. Asthma Emergency Action Stay with student, attempt to calm student. Have student rest in a sitting position, breathing slowly through mouth, exhaling slowly through pursed lips. Offer fluids Have student take prescribed medication as ordered by health care provider and parent permission. Notify the Principal. Notify the school nurse, if in the building, or first responder. DO NOT LEAVE CHILD ALONE. Notify parent of difficulty breathing or if medication is not effective in 15 minutes

10. Asthma emergency action Part II If parent is unavailable or student is having extreme difficulty breathing, call 911 and transport to the nearest hospital

11. References Pediatric Asthma Services, Pitt County Memorial Hospital. (2008). Helping you breath easier. University Health Systems of Eastern Carolina. http://www.airpurifiers.com/products/images/ast hma2.jpg http://www.airpurifiers.com/products/images/ast hma2.jpg http://www.emergencyanimal.com/b- images/coughing.jpg http://www.emergencyanimal.com/b- images/coughing.jpg http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/adam/images /en/common-asthma-triggers-picture.jpg http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/adam/images /en/common-asthma-triggers-picture.jpg