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Health authorities
report that asthma incidents are increasing among school-age students in
the United States. The nature of asthma is that a student may not be
aware they have the condition. It also happens that some students do
not report that they have this condition. Pro activity is warranted on
the part of teachers. While physical education classes are one area
where asthma attacks can occur, attacks can occur at any location. Some
forms of asthma are anxiety induced, so it is conceivable that a student
may appear in good shape in lunch and then experience a problem while
taking a test a few minutes later.
Guidelines (while,
classes involving physical activity, foods, or aromas may be at higher
risk of inducing asthma attacks, these precautions should be followed by
all teachers):
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Teachers
whose instructional areas or programs involve heavy physical activity,
foods, aromas, or field trips should make a list of all students who
report having asthma. This can be based on information cards turned
in by students at the start of the course and by parents at Open
House. Teaches should solicit information concerning past or current
use of inhalers (on or off should grounds) and any current or prior
diagnosis of asthma, bee stings, or other allergies. Teachers should
pass along any collected information to the nurse. Those students who
bring inhalers to school are required to report these to the nurse,
which causes a copy of the doctor’s orders to go to the nurse’s
office.
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Even if a
student has not previously been identified as having asthma, any
student who reports that they are experiencing an asthma attack are
to be taken at their word. This also applied to students who have
trouble breathing. Any time a student is experiences an asthma
attack, or where there is difficulty breathing, immediate word should
be sent to the school nurse. Such circumstances should be handled as
potentially life-threatening events. Even if there is a reasonable
suspicion of exaggeration or faking, such incidents should be handled
at face value with subsequent referral to the nurse to follow up on
these suspicions.
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Whenever
physical activity is planned (i.e. aerobic activity, soccer, fitness,
running, etc.) always announce to students with inhalers
– “pre treat because we are… today.”
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Caution is
best. If a teacher feels a student is abusing their condition to
avoid participation, it is best to advise the nurse and have the nurse
verify the condition, rather than encouraging the student to
participate when they articulate a concern.
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