May is Asthma Awareness Month

Posted May 4, 2022

May – Asthma Awareness Month

Spring is in the air!  It is a beautiful time of year, but for our students who have asthma, it can be an especially challenging time.  It is important for all of us to have a basic understanding of asthma which affects about 10% of students in Colorado.  Asthma is also a leading cause of absenteeism in our schools.

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic health condition that narrows the airways and makes it difficult to breath (3 main features: inflammation, bronchospasm and reactivity)

• Can be life-threatening
• Causes breathing problems called asthma “attacks” or “episodes” that can range from mild to serious
• No cure for asthma but can be controlled

How do I identify worsening asthma?

Our students need all of us to be aware of the signs and symptoms of asthma, so we can support a quick response to worsening asthma.

Symptoms

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath

Early warning signs

• Itchy chin
• Watery itchy eyes
• Dark circles under eyes
• Change in mood and/or irritability

How do I respond to an asthma “episode”?

A timely response to an asthma “episode”/”flare” is crucial for helping the student recover from their breathing difficulties and improves the likelihood of them returning to their productive school activity.

• Stop the student’s current activity and remove trigger (i.e. exercise, allergen, etc.)
• Keep student in upright position and help student to remain calm
• Quick relief medication if available, if not available, escort student to the school health office
• Follow the student’s Asthma Action Plan/Medication order
• Help the student use his or her quick relief medication, per orders and school nurse delegation, and observe for effect
• Never leave student alone

Thank you for supporting all our students here at school.  We truly have to work together to reach our goal of student success.  Please follow up with your school nurse if you have any questions.