ASTHMA

1
ASTHMA

• Asthma is a narrowing of the large and small
  airways in the lungs from bronchial muscle spasm,
  swelling and inflammation in the bronchial wall.
  This causes thick mucus production, which
  decreases air exchange.

2
ASTHMA INFORMATION

• Asthma occurs in varying degrees from mild to
  severe.
• Asthma is a long-standing chronic disease.
• Asthma causes the airways of the lungs to be
  oversensitive and inflamed.
• The airways react to triggers which can lead to
  an asthma attack.

3
ASTHMA TRIGGERS

• A trigger is any object, act or event that makes
  the airways more sensitive or inflamed, or that
  causes asthma symptoms. The effects of triggers
  may last many days and they may add up. This
  means a second trigger will cause worse symptoms
  if the airways are still inflamed.

4
ASTHMA TRIGGERS

• Allergic reactions
• Infections
• Strenuous exercise
• Breathing cold air
• Stress
• Coughing
• Yelling
• Laughing
• Some Medicines

• Common allergens
• Dust
• Mold
• Pollen
• Pet dander
• Perfume
• Cockroaches
• Grass
• Chemicals

5
ASTHMA ATTACK

• An asthma attack may be sudden or gradual with
  wheezing, coughing, and/or shortness of breath.
• As the attack progresses, the cough may produce
  clear, thick, foamy sputum.
• The student may be pale with a flush around the
  cheek bones and ears.

6
ASTHMA ATTACK

• The students lips may become dark red and
  progress to blue.
• Fingernails and tips of fingers may take on a
  blue tinge.
• The student may lean forward, or hunch over in an
  effort to breath better.
• The student may become very restless, anxious,
  and/or sweaty.

7
ASTHMA MANAGEMENTEmergency Plan

• Follow directions from the students health plan
  and give medication as directed by the physician.
• During an asthma attack, have the student wait
  one to three minutes between each puff of a quick
  relief inhaler.
• Remove the student from any known asthma
  trigger.
• Remain with the student at all times.

8
ASTHMA MANAGEMENTEmergency Plan

• Talk calmly and reassuringly to the student.
• Minimize walking for the student.
• Offer lukewarm liquid to drink, as this will help
  to relax the bronchial passages that are
  restricted during an asthma attack.

9
ASTHMA MANAGEMENTEmergency Plan

• If medication is used and the student continues
  to have difficulty breathing, call a parent to
  pick up the student and encourage the parent to
  contact the students physician. Give first aid
  and emergency care as needed.

10
CALL 911

• IF THE FOLLOWING DANGER SIGNALS OCCUR LIPS,
  NAILBEDS, OR FACE BECOME BLUE BREATHLESSNESS
  CAUSES THE STUDENT TO TALK IN 1-2 WORD SENTENCES
  OR NOT AT ALL OR BREATHING STOPS.