Chronic Disorders

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Chronic Disorders

• Asthma
• Diabetes
• Seizure Disorder

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Asthma

• 1 chronic disease of school-aged children
• Affects 1-2 students in an average classroom
• The leading cause of school absences due to
  chronic illness. (80 million school days lost
  each year.)
• Mortality rates have increased over 72 since
  1970.

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Asthma

• An inflammatory lung disease characterized by
  recurrent breathing problems
• The muscles that surround the airways can become
  tight, producing muscle spasms.
• The inner lining of the airways may swell.
• There can be an increase in mucous production
  and/or inflammation (within the trachea, bronchi,
  and/or the lungs).

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Asthma Triggers

• Allergens (animal dander, dust, mites, molds,
  pollens, foods-especially seafood peanuts,
  etc.)
• Lung irritants (tobacco smoke, leaf burning
  smoke, perfume, chalk, dust, etc.)
• Weather changes
• Infections (colds, sinus infections, etc.)
• Exercise and overexertion
• Excitement

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Early Warning Signs of an Asthma Attack

• Coughing with no cold
• Wheezing (however light), especially upon
  exhaling
• Fast/irregular breathing
• Upset stomach
• Tickly throat
• Anxiousness

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Severe Symptoms of Asthma

• Student stops wheezing, especially with other
  symptoms.
• Increased anxiety
• Increased effort to breathe
• Worsening of any early warning signs

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Immediate Treatment

• Treatment should match the severity of the
  symptoms.
• Teacher needs to remain calm!
• Calm child/relaxation helps
• Administer (warm) fluids if possible
• Remove from the area/stop activity
• Get school nurse/appointed medical personnel.
  FOLLOW SCHOOL POLICY!
• Teacher should make medications available (as
  directed by school policy), note dosage, time of
  administration, and any side effects.

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Diabetes

• A chronic illness in which the pancreas fails to
  produce enough insulin, and/or when insulin cell
  receptors are defective, an excess of sugar is
  carried throughout the blood stream.

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Diabetes Symptoms

• Initial symptoms generally include weight loss,
  visual disorders, increased thirst/hunger,
  frequent urination, fatigue, irritability, and
  nausea.
• If left untreated over time, this excess in sugar
  levels can cause permanent visual problems, organ
  damage (especially to the kidneys),
  cardiovascular disorders, and possible death.

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Type I Diabetes

• Also known as juvenile diabetes
• Requires daily insulin injections and sometimes
  oral medication.
• Caused by recessive gene that may become
  activated after an illness, such as strep or
  mono, especially during a growth spurt (age 5-6,
  10-11, etc.).

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Type I Diabetes

• Considered an autoimmune disorder whereby the
  white blood cells attack the pancreas (beta
  cells) that normally produce insulin. The beta
  cells will become completely destroyed generally
  within a year, requiring insulin
  shots/pump/inhaler.

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Type II Diabetes

• Also known as adult onset diabetes
• Generally treated with diet, exercise, and oral
  medications.
• Most experts consider it preventable.

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Diabetes

• Normal blood sugar levels average from 80-120.
• A level of up to 140 is generally considered
  acceptable for an insulin dependent diabetic.

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Diabetes First Aid

• Insulin shock Too much insulin (giving a shot
  with too much insulin lack of activity not
  eating for a long period of time etc.)
• Also known as low blood sugar (blood sugar levels
  less than 80).
• Symptoms irritability (cry, belligerent, etc.),
  hungry (especially a craving for sweets),
  perspire excessively, trembling,
  dizzy/disoriented/pale, pulse is generally full
  and normal.
• This condition is potentially life threatening.

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Diabetes First Aid

• First Aid
• Follow school policy for treating child.
• The policy will most likely involve giving the
  person a carbohydrate such as a sugar cube, soda,
  candy, raisins, prescribed candy.
• Symptoms should subside within 10-15 minutes.

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Diabetes First Aid

• Diabetic Coma too little insulin (failure to
  take insulin shot not having enough insulin with
  shot over-activity illness improper diet of
  sugars, alcohol, etc.)
• High blood sugar blood sugar levels above 240.
  Levels exceeding 300 can cause kidney and
  cardiovascular damage.

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Diabetes First Aid

• Symptoms pulse weak and rapid, thirsty, frequent
  urination, flushed face, vomiting/nausea, labored
  breathing, craving for sweets, irritable
• This condition is not immediately life
  threatening but can result in kidney damage, eye
  damage, nerve damage, heart damage, etc., over an
  extended period of time (years).

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Diabetes First Aid

• First Aid
• Follow school policy for treating the child.
• The policy should involve the following making
  sure that the student rests maintaining body
  temperature letting the student (or medical
  staff) administer an insulin shot seeking
  medical attention.

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Diabetes

• Teachers should also
• Note when insulin was administered (if
  applicable).
• Note the last time the student ate/activity
  level.
• Become familiar with the use of a glucose meter.