CMS Asthma Education Program ASTHMA IS Common Chronic - - PDF document

CMS Asthma Education Program

ASTHMA IS……

• Common
• Chronic
• Treatable
• Distressing
• Misunderstood
• Potentially Dangerous

CMS Prevalence

• Number one chronic disease
• Leading cause of Absences
• 6481 CMS students (2003-04)
• 28% Students with symptoms (NCDHHS, 1999)
• Higher incidence in minority populations,

and urban areas

• 74% children treated inadequately (Halterman, 2000)

Nightime coughing causes lack of sleep and daytime fatigue

• Major cause of poor performance in school

DEFINITION:

ASTHMA: A chronic inflammatory disorder of the lungs. Not contagious No cure Variable

TRIGGERS

• Allergens : dust mites, mold,

pollen, cockroaches, animal dander(cats), feathers

• Irritants:

Smoke-tobacco,wood; pollutants, odors, perfume

• Other: Viral illness, activity, cold

air,food, emotions, meds

• Occupational: Flour, chemicals

latex,grain dust

RESPIRATORY TRACT

UPPER AIRWAY

Larger Smaller

LOWER AIRWAY

PHYSIOLOGY

EXERCISE INDUCED ASTHMA

• Can occur during & after exercise
• Due to loss of heat, water or both

STRATEGIES:

• Pre-medicate 15-30 minutes prior

to exercise, as ordered

• Attention to reduce environmental

factors/triggers

• Warm-up and cool down activities
• Provide Water bottles/hydration

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

EARLY

**COUGH** Wheezing Tightness in Chest Scratchy throat, runny nose Rapid Breathing Mouth Breathing Stops activity

LATE

Accessory muscles

Blue lips/fingertips Grey, Pale Skin Too breathless to walk/talk (tripod) Agitation Loud wheezing or Sudden absence of wheezing

PATTERNS OF DEATH

• Gradual worsening of

control

• Failure to recognize or

disregard of symptoms

• Late arrival of care
• Poor use of medication
• Sudden onset

ASTHMA ATTACK: What do I do?

• Keep CALM
• Do not leave child alone
• Remove child from known triggers
• Encourage child to rest, sit upright
• Contact nurse or first responder
• Administer medication, if available
• Use relaxation techniques
• belly breathing, possibly water
• Monitor response to meds-observe

symptom improvement, do Peak Flow

• Contact parent/guardian

CALL ‘911’if………………….

• Lips, skin, nails turn blue/grey
• Child becomes agitated, confused,

lethargic

• Wheezing suddenly stops, child still

distressed

• Child is unconscious
• Symptoms continue and treatment does

not work

TYPES Of MEDICATION

• Rescue medication (quick relief

– starts quickly lasts 4 hrs.) vs.

Long Acting (lasts up to 12 hrs)

• Bronchodilators (opens airways)
• vs. Anti-inflammatories

(reduces,prevents swelling)

INHALERS

• Most inhalers in schools provide quick

relief or rescue medication

• If children are using inhalers frequently

(every day or several times a day or week),they

are not in good control

• Check with nurse and/or parent
• Always monitor the effectiveness of the

medication in relieving symptoms

SPACERS

• Easier for young children to use
• Coordination/dexterity not an issue
• Heavy particles precipitate out
• Increases the amount of

medication delivered

PEAK FLOW METERS

• Monitors changes in lung function
• Measures airflow in large airways
• Current level vs. personal best (avg.)

Staging for medication: GREEN = GO YELLOW = CAUTION RED = STOP

ASTHMA FRIENDLY CLASSROOMS

• Know & reduce your student’s

triggers

• Reduce mold (report water leaks)
• Keep classrooms dust/clutter-free
• Eliminate furry pets in classroom or

keep animal habitat away from vents

• Avoid strong odors (perfumes,

sprays, cleaning products)

ASTHMA FRIENDLY CLASSROOMS

• Indoor air quality: Keep ventilation

unblocked and circulating air flow

• Outdoor air quality: Be aware of

sensitivity to seasonal pollens, grasses, high ozone levels, cold air exposure

• Know your building procedure:

notify custodian, principal, nurse or CMS environmental safety office

ASTHMA ACTION PLAN

• Written Plan, developed and signed by

Parent, and Physician

• Emergency Contact numbers
• Lists child’s Triggers
• Child’s individual signs of asthma
• Peak Flow reading , if available
• Medications, dosage, and when to

administer

• Steps to take in an Emergency

WHAT YOU CAN DO

• Have an emergency action plan and

post it

• Know early warning signs
• Monitor use of rescue medication
• Have medication available- field trips,

playground, phys. ed.

• Attend an asthma education Session

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

• Know your students
• Communicate with parents, nurse
• Create an asthma friendly classroom
• Encourage participation in physical

activities

• Make accommodations, as needed
• Support Open Airways (gr. 3-5) or
• ther educational programs for your

students

QUESTIONS ???????

Please Fill Out the Evaluation Forms.