Most Common Conditions in School
Asthma
Asthma is the leading chronic illness.
Asthma is a chronic condition that involves the lungs. The airways become inflamed, swollen, and extra mucus, resulting in difficulty breathing.
Symptoms & Triggers:
Coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest tightness
Triggers: Pollen, air pollution, animal allergens, scents, fragrances, weather change, smoke, stress, exercise
Treatment:
* Avoiding triggers
* Prescribed medications: Fast Acting/rescue Inhalers
* Controlled inhalers that prevent symptoms and maintenance medications and long-acting inhalers.
* A Plan of Care
Remember to:
- Bring water Bottle
- Have access or have Inhaler at all times!
- Know when to tell someone!
- Check you Inhaler by shaking or read the counter number
Food Allergies
Food allergies are growing rapidly
Food allergies are growing rapidly and a major concern in schools. An allergy is when the body has an immune response after eating a certain food.
Symptoms & Triggers:
Watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, rash or hives
Severe symptoms:
Difficulty Breathing, swelling of the mouth, throat and eyes
Symptoms can be life threatening (Anaphylaxis) serious allergic reaction, quick, and can cause death.
Known Foods that Cause Allergic Reactions
- Peanuts
- Eggs
- Cow’s Milk
- Tree Nuts
- Wheat
- Soy
- Fish
- Shellfish
Treatment:
- Epinephrine injections – First line of treatment for severe reactions. Call 911
- Avoid food allergens
Remember to:
- Have access or have EpiPen at all times
- Never share food unless you know what it contains
- Always read the food labels
- Check expiration date on the EpiPen
Other Chronic Conditions
Diabetes
Epilepsy/Seizures
References:
Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, August 23). Supporting students with chronic health conditions in school-based OST programs. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved December 7, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/managing_CHC_OST.htm
Mitchell, R., Cameron, C. M., Lystad, R. P., Nielssen, O., McMaugh, A., Herkes, G., Schniering, C., & Hng, T. (2019). Impact of chronic health conditions and injury on school performance and health outcomes in New South Wales, Australia: A retrospective record linkage study protocol. BMJ Paediatrics Open, 3(1), e000530. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjpo-2019-000530