1. Insert presenter Information here
MANAGING
ASTHMA IN SCHOOLS
Insert presenter
Information here

2. What’s the big deal? Asthma…
Is the most common chronic disease of children
Effects 1 in 5 children in Ontario
Is the leading cause of school absenteeism and emergency room visits
Can be life threatening if not properly controlled
Is poorly controlled in >60% of cases

3. ASTHMA IS… Inflammation of the airways (extra-sensitive or twitchy airways)
3 changes occur in airways:
muscles around airways tighten
lining of the airways becomes swollen
mucous production increases

4. SIGNS OF WORSENING ASTHMA
Changes in airways can lead to:
Coughing
Wheezing (not always heard)
Chest tightness
Shortness of breath

5. ASTHMA TRIGGERS Common triggers include: Colds/Respiratory Viruses
Airways are supersensitive and react to certain “triggers”
A trigger is anything that makes asthma worse
Triggers are unique to each child with asthma
Common triggers include:
Colds/Respiratory Viruses
Exercise
Grass/pollen
Cold/Hot Weather
Dust & dust mites
Furry/feathered pets
Smoke
Air pollution
Strong smells

6. ASTHMA MEDICATIONS Controllers (orange, brown, purple, red)
Long-acting, slow working (days to weeks)
Usually taken at home every day to control symptoms
Will not help during an acute asthma “attack”
Relievers: (usually blue)
Fast-acting (within 5-10 minutes)
Taken to relieve symptoms during an asthma “attack”
Taken before exercise, if needed, to prevent onset of symptoms
Need to be accessible at all times

7. A CHILD’S ASTHMA IS GETTING WORSE …
WHAT DO YOU DO?

8. 1. RECOGNIZE THE SIGNS Coughing (continual) Increased breathing rate
Complaining of chest tightness
Increased use of reliever medication
Wheezing (not always heard)
Increased restlessness and irritability
Tiredness

9. 2. RESPOND Ensure fast-acting reliever inhaler is given as soon as
possible. (Should improve breathing within minutes)
Tell the child to breathe slowly & deeply. (Support privacy if child appears anxious)
Stay calm! Remain with & reassure the child.

10. Minor episodes should not affect a child’s involvement in school
3. FOLLOW-UP
Minor episodes should not affect a child’s involvement in school
When they feel better they can return to normal activities
Medication use should be recorded
Parent should be notified about the episode
Note: If the child requires the inhaler again in less then 4 hours the parent should be notified to seek medical attention

11. SEVERE WARNING SIGNS ANY of the following may be observed:
Lips or fingernails become blue or gray
Breathing is difficult and fast (>25/min)
Can only say 1-3 words between breaths
Breathing will involve the whole ribcage
Very agitated OR
No improvement within 5-10 minutes after taking reliever inhaler

12. THIS IS AN EMERGENCY Call 911 immediately.
Tell them you have a child who is experiencing SHORTNESS OF BREATH.
Give reliever inhaler immediately.
Continue to give reliever inhaler every few minutes until help arrives.
Never leave a child who is experiencing serious breathing problems alone.

13. Plan ahead…think ASTHMA !
Asthma: Know what it is and who has it.
Signs of worsening asthma: Be able to recognize & respond to
them.
Triggers: Know what they are and how to reduce them.
Have a plan to manage asthma episodes.
Medications: Ensure easy access to fast-acting reliever.
Access resources.

14. THINGS TO CONSIDER DOES YOUR SCHOOL HAVE…
A process to identify students with asthma?
A process/protocol which allows students easy access to their (emergency) medication?
A school-wide process for handling worsening asthma?
A process to identify & reduce triggers?
A mechanism to communicate & collaborate with families, and health care professionals?

15. ASTHMA RESOURCES
Ontario Lung Association
Asthma Action Helpline
Asthma Society
Creating Asthma Friendly Schools