1. Asthma Management In Educational Settings
Parent Education Module

2. Property of The American Lung Association of Washington
Overview
Asthma Basics
What the school nurse needs to know
Managing asthma at school
Resources
Property of The American Lung Association of Washington

3. Property of The American Lung Association of Washington
Asthma Basics
What is asthma?
Chronic inflammatory lung condition resulting in acute attacks
Manageable disease
Who has asthma?
4.8M US, 150K (1 in 10) Washington children
Incidence of asthma among children is increasing
P6; airway diagram;
Property of The American Lung Association of Washington

4. Property of The American Lung Association of Washington
Asthma Basics (cont.)
What happens during an attack?
Airway inflammation, constriction, mucus
Symptoms include: coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath
What can trigger an asthma attack?
Respiratory illness, allergens, weather, irritants, emotions, exercise
P6; airway diagram;
Property of The American Lung Association of Washington

5. Property of The American Lung Association of Washington
Asthma Basics (cont.)
An acute episode of asthma, or “asthma attack,” occurs when there is a narrowing of the airways caused by the following:
Bronchospasm: the muscles that surround the airways tighten and make the airways smaller.
Swelling: The lining of the airways swells making the airways even smaller. This swelling is caused by inflammation of the airways.
Mucus: The tissues that line the airways secrete extra mucus. This mucus can pllug the narrowed airways even further.
Property of The American Lung Association of Washington

6. What the school nurse needs to know about your child
All information will be kept confidential
Asthma history
First diagnosis
Home control
Hospitalizations/ER/
Intensive care
School days missed
last year
Severity
Peak flow/spacer?
Medications
Special needs
Triggers
Asthma education?
Property of The American Lung Association of Washington

7. Managing asthma at school
Preparation before school
Develop an Asthma Management Plan with the child’s health care provider and share it with school nurse
Discuss special situations
Field trips, transportation, after school activities
Provide school with:
Required oral medication authorization form
Necessary equipment and supplies, including 3-day disaster supply
Know when your child should stay home
Property of The American Lung Association of Washington

8. Property of The American Lung Association of Washington
Resources
Spokane
Camp Champ
Statewide
Websites
Property of The American Lung Association of Washington