1. Today we will be looking at asthma and anaphylaxis. Patient’s suffering from asthma or experiencing anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction) are potentially the casualties that you will have to treat the most.

2. Asthma is a condition which affects the small airways of the lungs. People with asthma have sensitive airways. When these sensitive airways are exposed to triggers the airways narrow, leading to difficulty breathing.

3. The narrowing of the airways is caused by inflammation and swelling on the airways and the tightening of the muscles around the airways. This produces excess mucus in the airway. This effects the amount of airflow moving in and out of the lungs. Asthma has no cure but can be managed with medication.

4. Asthma Triggers… Triggers or asthma include: – Pollens – Dust and house dust mites – Animal hair – Industrial chemicals – Mould and mould spores – Smoke – Infections – Emotions – Weather changes – Medication – Exercise

5. Signs and Symptoms MILDMODERATESEVERE Cough, variable wheeze Persistent cough, moderate to loud wheeze Very distressed and anxious Minor difficulty breathing Obvious breathing difficulties Severe difficulties breathing Speaking in sentences Speaking in short sentences only Speak no more than a few words at a time Wheeze, often quiet Pale and sweaty Blueness to lips

6. Asthma Medications Relievers: relieves the symptoms of asthma in an emergency. Relaxes tight muscles around the airway. Preventers: reduces the severity and frequency of attacks. Reduces inflammation and sensitivity of airways. Symptoms controllers: long active relievers that relax tight muscles around the airway. Work for up to 12 hours, but effectiveness peaks 1-2 hours. Combination medication: combination preventer and symptom controller medication that works for up to 12 hours. This medication is not to be used in an emergency.

7. Managing Asthma 1.DRABC 2.Sit person down and reassure them 3.If severe – call emergency ambulance, 000 4.Assist casualty to administer their own reliever medication 5.If no relief – call 000

8. This is the medical term given to a severe allergic reaction. Anaphylaxis is caused by inhaling, swallowing or touching a substance to which a person is sensitive. It can also follow injections of insect stings or bites. Some common items people are allergic to include; nuts, seafood, eggs, milk, wheat, latex, penicillin and codeine.

9. Signs and Symptoms Mild/Moderate ReactionSevere Allergic Reaction Swelling of lips, face and eyesDifficult and noisy breathing Hives or weltsSwelling of the tongue Abdominal painSwelling/tightness in throat VomitingDifficulty talking Wheeze or persistent cough Loss of consciousness or collapse Pale and clammy skin

10. Managing Anaphylaxis 1.DRABC 2.Assist patient to self administer their own medication (EpiPen) 3.Remove latch from end of EpiPen 4.Stick needle from other end into the patients thigh (can be through clothes) 5.Push till you hear a click 6.Leave for 10 seconds 7.Calm and reassure the patient 8.Call 000

11. Today’s Tasks Complete accompanying “Asthma & Anaphylaxis” worksheet in your workbook. Practice treating someone with asthma. Practice treating someone with an severe allergic reaction.