Download Asthma Management In Educational Settings

Asthma Management In
Educational Settings
Physical Education Teachers and
Coaches Education Module
Overview
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Asthma Basics
Asthma and exercise
Asthma management in athletics
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Medications
Support for student
Preventive actions to take
How to handle an asthma emergency
How to read an asthma management plan
Resources
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Washington
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Asthma Basics
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What is asthma?
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Chronic lung condition that causes
breathing problems (asthma attacks)
Manageable disease
Who has asthma?
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4.8M US, 150K (1 in 10) Washington
children
Level of severity varies from student to
student
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Asthma Basics (cont.)
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What happens during an asthma
attack?
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Airways in lungs become smaller; extra
mucus in airways can further block air
Symptoms include: coughing, wheezing,
chest tightness, shortness of breath
What can trigger an asthma attack?
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Respiratory illness, allergens, weather,
irritants, emotions, exercise
Students may have different triggers
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Washington
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Asthma Basics (cont.)
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Asthma and Exercise
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Encourage physical activity and
participation in sports
When asthma is under good control,
students should be able to participate in
all physical activities
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Washington
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Asthma Management in
Athletics: Medications
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Medications
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Preventive medications taken daily (will not
reverse an asthma attack)
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Rescue medications to treat and relieve symptoms
as needed
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e.g., Azmacort, Flovent, Singulair, Intal
e.g., Ventolin, Proventil, Maxair
Using a metered dose inhaler/peak flow
meter
Understand the possible side effects
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drowsy/different/anxious/embarrassed/withdrawn
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Washington
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Asthma Management in
Athletics: Support for Student
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Balance maintaining expectations vs.
flexibility
Treat students with asthma as part of
the group, but discuss asthma concerns
privately
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Washington
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Asthma Management in Athletics:
Preventive Actions to Take
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Eliminate triggers (e.g., mold, dust)
Have student take medication before activity
Provide 10-15 minute warm-up and cooldown
Adjust activity as necessary
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Consider: type of activity, pacing, weather, nasal
breathing
Monitor student for warning signs
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Using a peak flow meter
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Washington
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Asthma Management in Athletics:
Preventive Actions to Take (cont.)
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Know how to read an asthma
management plan
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Contact information
Common signs of asthma attack
Use of medications
Treatment plan
Other conditions
Special instructions (field trips, etc.)
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Washington
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How to Handle an Asthma
Emergency
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Contact the school nurse, if available
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
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How to Handle an Asthma
Emergency (cont.)
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Call 911 if:
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No improvement 15-20 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
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Washington
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Resources
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Spokane
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Statewide
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Camp Champ
www.alaw.org
Websites
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www.epa.gov/iaq
www.asthmaandschools.org
www.lungusa.org
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Washington
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