Asthma Management In Educational Settings Parent Education Module

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

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

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

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

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

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

Property of The American Lung Association of Washington Resources Spokane Camp Champ Statewide www.alaw.org Websites www.epa.gov/iaq www.asthmaandschools.org www.lungusa.org Property of The American Lung Association of Washington