Asthma Management In Educational Settings Playground Supervisor Education Module

Property of The Amerrican Lung Association of Washington 2 Overview Asthma Basics Asthma and physical activity Review Student Emergency Asthma Plan Preventive actions to take How to handle an asthma emergency Resources

Property of The Amerrican Lung Association of Washington 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

Property of The Amerrican Lung Association of Washington 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

Property of The Amerrican Lung Association of Washington 5 Asthma Basics (cont.)

Property of The Amerrican Lung Association of Washington 6 Asthma and Physical Activity Encourage physical activity and participation in sports When asthma is under good control, students should be able to participate in all physical activities

Property of The Amerrican Lung Association of Washington 7 Review Student’s School Emergency Asthma Plan Contact information Common asthma attack symptoms or signs Steps to take during an asthma attack Use of emergency medications Other health conditions

Property of The Amerrican Lung Association of Washington 8 Preventive Actions to Take Have student take medication before physical activity Encourage short warm-up and cool-down period Monitor student for warning signs Becoming scared Wheezing while breathing Constant coughing Tightness in chest Shortness of breath Sweaty, clammy skin

Property of The Amerrican Lung Association of Washington 9 How to Handle an Asthma Emergency Contact the school nurse Provide medications as directed by School Emergency Asthma Plan Encourage student to relax and take slow, deep breaths Always have someone accompany the student with asthma symptoms when going to the office or nurse’s office

Property of The Amerrican Lung Association of Washington 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

Property of The Amerrican Lung Association of Washington 11 Resources Spokane Camp Champ Statewide Websites