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Asthma Management In Educational Settings

Bus Driver Education Module

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Overview Asthma Basics How to help students control asthma

Be prepared Reduce triggers Recognize symptoms

How to handle an asthma emergency

Resources

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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

Seriousness of disease varies from student to student

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Asthma Basics (cont.) What happens during an asthma

attack? Airways in lungs become smaller; extra

fluid 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

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Asthma Basics (cont.)

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How to Help Students Control Asthma: Be Prepared Review student’s School

Emergency Asthma Plan Contact information Common asthma attack

symptoms/signs Steps to take during an asthma attack Use of emergency medications Other health conditions

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How to Help Students Control Asthma: Reduce Triggers 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 Clean up mold and control moisture

Second-hand smoke Enforce no-smoking policies for school buses

Dust mites Regularly clean floors, upholstered furniture,

etc. Certain cleaning materials

Evaluate materials and use safe alternatives

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How to Help Students Control Asthma: Recognize Symptoms Know student’s early warning signs, for

example: Coughing Stuffy or runny nose Tiredness Easily bothered/annoyed

Know student’s asthma attack signs, for example:

Becoming scared Wheezing while breathing Constant coughing Tightness in chest Shortness of breath Sweaty, clammy skin

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How to Handle an Asthma Emergency

Contact the school nurse, if available

Provide medications as directed by School Emergency Asthma Plan

Encourage student to relax and take slow, deep breaths

Never send a student with asthma symptoms anywhere alone

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How to Handle an Asthma Emergency (cont.)

Call 911 if: No improvement 15-20 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

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Resources Spokane

Camp Champ Statewide

www.alaw.org Websites

www.asthmabusters.org www.asthmaandschools.org www.lungusa.org