Transcript Chronic Disorders

Chronic Disorders
Asthma
Diabetes
Seizure Disorder
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.
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).
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
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
Severe Symptoms of Asthma
Student stops wheezing, especially with
other symptoms.
Increased anxiety
Increased effort to breathe
Worsening of any early warning signs
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.
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.
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.
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.).
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.
Type II Diabetes
Also known as adult onset diabetes
Generally treated with diet, exercise, and
oral medications.
Most experts consider it preventable.
Diabetes
Normal blood sugar levels average from
80-120.
A level of up to 140 is generally considered
acceptable for an insulin dependent
diabetic.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.