Asthma Management In Educational Settings Custodian and Food

Asthma Management In Educational Settings Custodian and Food Service Workers Education Module 1

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

Asthma Basics n What is asthma? n n n Chronic lung condition that causes breathing problems (asthma attacks) Manageable disease Who has asthma? n n 4. 8 M US, 150 K (1 in 10) Washington children Seriousness of disease varies from student to student 3

Asthma Basics (cont. ) n What happens during an asthma attack? n n n 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? n n Respiratory illness, allergens, weather, irritants, emotions, exercise Students may have different triggers 4

Asthma Basics (cont. ) 5

How to Help Students Control Asthma: Reduce Triggers n Cockroaches and other pests n n Mold Second-hand smoke Dust mites n n Look for signs; do not leave food, water or garbage exposed; remove pest pathways and shelters; and use pest control products Regularly clean floors, upholstered furniture, pillows, etc. Volatile Organic Compound exposure n Use safer alternatives for felt-tip pens, cleaning materials and art supplies 6

How to Help Students Control Asthma: Reduce Triggers n Cockroaches and other pests n n Mold n n Enforce no-smoking policies in the school Dust mites n n Clean up mold and control moisture Second-hand smoke n n Look for signs; do not leave food, water or garbage exposed; remove pest pathways and shelters; and use pest control products Regularly clean floors, upholstered furniture, etc. Certain cleaning materials and felt-tip pens n Evaluate materials and use safe alternatives 7

How to Help Students Control Asthma: Recognize Symptoms n Know student’s early warning signs, for example: n n n Coughing Stuffy or runny nose Tiredness Easily bothered/annoyed Know student’s asthma attack signs, for example: n n n Becoming scared Wheezing while breathing Constant coughing Tightness in chest Shortness of breath Sweaty, clammy skin 8

How to Handle an Asthma Emergency n n n Contact the school nurse 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 9

How to Handle an Asthma Emergency (cont. ) n Call 911 if: n n 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 10

Resources n Spokane n n Statewide n n Camp Champ www. alaw. org Websites n n n www. asthmabusters. org www. asthmaandschools. org www. lungusa. org 11