Asthma Management In Educational Settings

1. Asthma Management In Educational Settings Physical Education Teachers and Coaches Education Module

2. Overview • Asthma Basics • Asthma and exercise • Asthma management in athletics • Medications • Support for student • Preventive actions to take • How to handle an asthma emergency • How to read an asthma management plan • Resources Property of The Amerrican Lung Association of Washington

3. 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 • Level of severity varies from student to student Property of The Amerrican Lung Association of Washington

4. Asthma Basics (cont.) • What happens during an asthma attack? • 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? • Respiratory illness, allergens, weather, irritants, emotions, exercise • Students may have different triggers Property of The Amerrican Lung Association of Washington

5. Asthma Basics (cont.) Property of The Amerrican Lung Association of Washington

6. Asthma and Exercise • Encourage physical activity and participation in sports • When asthma is under good control, students should be able to participate in all physical activities Property of The Amerrican Lung Association of Washington

7. Asthma Management in Athletics: Medications • Medications • Preventive medications taken daily (will not reverse an asthma attack) • e.g., Azmacort, Flovent, Singulair, Intal • Rescue medications to treat and relieve symptoms as needed • e.g., Ventolin, Proventil, Maxair • Using a metered dose inhaler/peak flow meter • Understand the possible side effects • drowsy/different/anxious/embarrassed/withdrawn Property of The Amerrican Lung Association of Washington

8. Asthma Management in Athletics: Support for Student • Balance maintaining expectations vs. flexibility • Treat students with asthma as part of the group, but discuss asthma concerns privately Property of The Amerrican Lung Association of Washington

9. Asthma Management in Athletics: Preventive Actions to Take • Eliminate triggers (e.g., mold, dust) • Have student take medication before activity • Provide 10-15 minute warm-up and cool-down • Adjust activity as necessary • Consider: type of activity, pacing, weather, nasal breathing • Monitor student for warning signs • Using a peak flow meter Property of The Amerrican Lung Association of Washington

10. Asthma Management in Athletics: Preventive Actions to Take (cont.) • Know how to read an asthma management plan • Contact information • Common signs of asthma attack • Use of medications • Treatment plan • Other conditions • Special instructions (field trips, etc.) Property of The Amerrican Lung Association of Washington

11. How to Handle an Asthma Emergency • 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 Property of The Amerrican Lung Association of Washington

12. How to Handle an Asthma Emergency (cont.) • Call 911 if: • 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 Property of The Amerrican Lung Association of Washington

13. Resources • Spokane • Camp Champ • Statewide • www.alaw.org • Websites • www.epa.gov/iaq • www.asthmaandschools.org • www.lungusa.org Property of The Amerrican Lung Association of Washington