1 Asthma Management In Educational Settings Bus Driver Education Module

2 Overview Asthma Basics How to help students control asthma Be prepared Reduce triggers Recognize symptoms How to handle an asthma emergency Resources

3 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

4 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

5 Asthma Basics (cont.)

6 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

7 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

8 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

9 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

10 How to Handle an Asthma Emergency (cont.) Call 911 if: No improvement 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

11 Resources Spokane Camp Champ Statewide Websites