1 asthma management in educational settings custodian and food service workers education module
TRANSCRIPT
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Asthma Management In Educational Settings
Custodian and Food Service Workers Education Module
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Overview Asthma Basics How to help students control
asthma Reduce triggers Recognize symptoms
How to handle an asthma emergency
Resources
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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
Seriousness of disease varies from student to student
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Asthma Basics (cont.) What happens during an asthma
attack? Airways in lungs become smaller; extra
fluid 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
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Asthma Basics (cont.)
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How to Help Students Control Asthma: Reduce Triggers Cockroaches and other pests
Look for signs; do not leave food, water or garbage exposed; remove pest pathways and shelters; and use pest control products
Mold Second-hand smoke Dust mites
Regularly clean floors, upholstered furniture, pillows, etc.
Volatile Organic Compound exposure Use safer alternatives for felt-tip pens,
cleaning materials and art supplies
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How to Help Students Control Asthma: Reduce Triggers Cockroaches and other pests
Look for signs; do not leave food, water or garbage exposed; remove pest pathways and shelters; and use pest control products
Mold Clean up mold and control moisture
Second-hand smoke Enforce no-smoking policies in the school
Dust mites Regularly clean floors, upholstered furniture,
etc. Certain cleaning materials and felt-tip pens
Evaluate materials and use safe alternatives
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How to Help Students Control Asthma: Recognize Symptoms Know student’s early warning signs, for
example: Coughing Stuffy or runny nose Tiredness Easily bothered/annoyed
Know student’s asthma attack signs, for example:
Becoming scared Wheezing while breathing Constant coughing Tightness in chest Shortness of breath Sweaty, clammy skin
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How to Handle an Asthma Emergency
Contact the school nurse 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.)
Call 911 if: 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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Resources Spokane
Camp Champ Statewide
www.alaw.org Websites
www.asthmabusters.org www.asthmaandschools.org www.lungusa.org