GRANITE SCHOOL DISTRICT NURSING SERVICES

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GRANITE SCHOOL DISTRICT NURSING SERVICES
A S T H M A

• Janell Eastman, RN BSN M.Ed
• Granite School District Nurse

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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

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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
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Components of an Asthma Attack

• 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.

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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

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ASTHMA IS NOT

• Infectious It is a chronic disease.
• A Good Excuse to lead a sedentary life or become
  a couch potato!

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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 dont feel well

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HOW CAN YOU HELP?

• Recognize the early signs and symptoms of an
  asthma attack
• Relax, dont panic
• Reassure the student and
• try to calm them
• Refer to the students health
• care plan

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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

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ASTHMA TREATMENTS

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

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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.

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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.

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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

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How to Use theStudents Health Care Plan

• Read the health care plan developed by the
  school nurse
• Be Familiar with emergency action plans
• Contact school nurse with questions

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PREVENTIONKNOW THE ASTHMA ATTACK TRIGGERS!

Pets
Indoor pollution
Pollens
Exercise
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PREVENTIONKNOW THE TRIGGERS

Pollution
Weather
Colds and illness
Tobacco smoke
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QUESTIONS??
PLEASE CONTACT YOUR SCHOOL NURSE FOR ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION Granite District Nursing Services
685-4246