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GRANITE SCHOOL DISTRICT NURSING SERVICES

GRANITE SCHOOL DISTRICT NURSING SERVICES. Janell Eastman, RN BSN M.Ed Granite School District Nurse. A S T H M A. WHAT IS ASTHMA? . A reversible, obstructive lung disease caused by an excessive reaction of the airways to certain stimuli or “triggers”

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GRANITE SCHOOL DISTRICT NURSING SERVICES

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  1. GRANITE SCHOOL DISTRICT NURSING SERVICES Janell Eastman, RN BSN M.Ed Granite School District Nurse A S T H M A

  2. WHAT IS ASTHMA? • A reversible, obstructive lung disease caused by an excessive reaction of the airways to certain stimuli or “triggers” • One of the Reactive Airway Diseases (RAD) that is treatable • A life-threatening disease if not properly managed

  3. 3 Components of an Asthma Attack 1. Bronchospasm The smooth muscles that wrap around the windpipe (bronchi) tighten, reducing the size of the airway. normal Asthma attack

  4. 2. Inflammation The mucosal lining of the windpipe becomes inflamed and swells, thereby reducing the size of the airway even further. 3. Mucus Increased mucus production takes up more space; now the airway is very constricted. Components of an Asthma Attack

  5. ASTHMA IS: NOT Contagious. It can be a family affair! In many cases, asthma is genetic. The risk of developing asthma is: • 7% if neither parent is asthmatic • 20% if one parent has asthma • 64% if both parents have asthma

  6. ASTHMA IS NOT: • Infectious – It is a chronic disease. • A Good Excuse to lead a sedentary life or become a couch potato!

  7. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF AN ASTHMA ATTACK • Wheezing, coughing • Shortness of breath • Chest feels tight • Dry Mouth • Fatigue • Itchy chin or clipped speech • Headache • “I don’t feel well”

  8. HOW CAN YOU HELP? • Recognizethe early signs and symptoms of an asthma attack • Relax, don’t panic • Reassure the student and try to calm them • Refer to the student’s health care plan

  9. HOW TO ASSIST THE STUDENT • Call or have someone call for help • Ask student if they have an inhaler • Suggest • Deep coughing to bring up mucus • Belly breathe to relax and calm student

  10. ASTHMA TREATMENTS • Inhaled Medications – medications dispensed by inhaler or nebulizer that quickly open up the airways. Examples include: Albuterol, Ventolin, Maxair, Proventil.

  11. INHALERS • There are many sizes and shapes of inhalers. Inhalers without chambers are administered one to two inches from the mouth. Each spray of medication is called a puff.

  12. CHAMBERS OR SPACERS • Chambers or spacers are attached to the mouthpiece of the inhaler to allow for easier and better administration of all the medication.

  13. WHEN DO YOU CALL THE DOCTOR? • Wheezing or coughing increases after taking medications • Difficulty breathing -retractions seen -hunched over position • Child has trouble walking or talking, or stops playing and cannot start again • Lips or fingernails appear “blue”

  14. How to Use theStudent’s Health Care Plan • Read the health care plan developed by the school nurse • Be Familiar with emergency action plans • Contact school nurse with questions

  15. PREVENTION:KNOW THE ASTHMA ATTACK TRIGGERS! Pets Indoorpollution Pollens Exercise

  16. PREVENTION:KNOW THE TRIGGERS Pollution Weather Coldsandillness Tobacco smoke

  17. QUESTIONS?? PLEASE CONTACT YOUR SCHOOL NURSE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Granite District Nursing Services 685-4246

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