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Asthma Management In Educational Settings

Custodian and Food Service Workers Education Module

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Overview Asthma Basics How to help students control

asthma Reduce triggers Recognize symptoms

How to handle an asthma emergency

Resources

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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

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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

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Asthma Basics (cont.)

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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 Second-hand smoke Dust mites

Regularly clean floors, upholstered furniture, pillows, etc.

Volatile Organic Compound exposure Use safer alternatives for felt-tip pens,

cleaning materials and art supplies

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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 in the school

Dust mites Regularly clean floors, upholstered furniture,

etc. Certain cleaning materials and felt-tip pens

Evaluate materials and use safe alternatives

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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

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How to Handle an Asthma Emergency

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

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How to Handle an Asthma Emergency (cont.)

Call 911 if: 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

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Resources Spokane

Camp Champ Statewide

www.alaw.org Websites

www.asthmabusters.org www.asthmaandschools.org www.lungusa.org