Asthma

Management In School

What is asthma? A condition where “Triggers” affect the airways causing them to react.

• Muscles around the walls of the airways contract.• The lining of the airways become inflamed and start to swell.• Sticky mucus is produced.

This Results In Asthma Symptoms:-

• Coughing• Wheezing• Shortness of breath• Tightness in the chest• Difficulty speaking

Sufferers may get all or some of these symptoms.

Symptoms may be mild or severe.

Common TriggersFoods

Air PollutionColds/Infections

Hormones

Animals

Emotions

Exercise

Medicines

Smoking

Weather Pollen, Moulds, Fungi

House-Dust Mite

Treatment

Asthmatics may be prescribed two types of inhaler:-

• Relievers

• Preventers

Reliever InhalersHelp to RELIEVE symptoms

• Usually blue in colour • Taken when symptoms develop

Broncho-Dilator Drug

Relaxes the muscles surrounding the airways

Airway widens

Breathing Eases

Preventer InhalersHelp to PREVENT symptoms

• Usually brown, red or white in colour • Taken daily regardless of symptoms

Usually contains:- Low-Dose Steroid

Protect the lining of the airways

Reduce swelling in airways

Reduce sensitivity of airways

Spacer Devices

A SPACER DEVICE:-

• Is easier to use than aerosol dispenser alone.• Ensures more effective deposition of drug into lungs.• Reduces need for repeated doses.

Asthma medication is administered directly into the lungs via an aerosol dispenser. A good technique is essential for effective treatment.

Efficient administration is difficult if asthma symptoms are present.

Managing An Asthma Attack

• The student should take their reliever inhaler immediately. (Use a spacer device if available)

Students with asthma should have individual healthcare plans stating

what to do in the event of an asthma attack.

• The student needs to sit down and loosen any tight clothing. Stay calm and reassure student.

• If there is no immediate improvement the student should take one puff of reliever every minute for 5 minutes.

• If symptoms do not improve after 5 minutes, or if you are in doubt, call 999 immediately.

• Continue administering one puff of the reliever inhaler every minute until help arrives.

How School Staff Can Help• Care plans

• Reliever inhalers freely accessible

• Staff training :– Know how to use inhalers and spacers Be aware of trigger factors Notice symptoms

• Plan ahead for school outings

• Good communication with pupil, parents and other professionals.

Parental Responsibilities• Inform school if their child has asthma.

• Support development of care plan.

• Provide information about triggers, common symptoms and changes in their child’s asthma.

• Provide clearly labelled medication

(and spacer device if relevant).

Questions?