What is asthma?
Asthma is a chronic disease which inflames the airways. The airways are the small tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs. Asthma causes the airways to become over-sensitive and react to things they wouldn’t normally react to, such as cold air or dust mites – even family pets. These are called triggers.
When asthma symptoms are triggered, the muscles around the walls of the airways tighten, making them narrow. The lining of the airways also swells and sticky mucous is produced, clogging up the already narrowed airways. With the airways narrow and clogged with mucous, it becomes difficult to breathe.
Asthma in schools
With 1 in 5 children in Ireland living with asthma, every teacher will encounter the condition at some point in their career.
- Read our Asthma Friendly School booklet to learn about:
- What to do if a child with asthma joins your class.
- Common asthma triggers and how to avoid them at school.
- Different kinds of inhalers and other asthma treatments.
- What to do in an emergency.
- The answers to frequently asked questions about asthma in schools.
Asthma attacks in school
Asthma attacks can be frightening and dangerous experiences. They can happen when symptoms get worse over several days or hours or can happen suddenly, even when someone is taking their medication and avoiding triggers.
If a student has an asthma attack or you suspect they are having an attack, you should take immediate action.
If someone is having an asthma attack, they will have one OR a combination of the symptoms below:
- Cough
- Wheeze
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
- Too breathless to finish a sentence
- Too breathless to walk, sleep or eat
- Lips turning blue
If a student is having an asthma attack:
- Remember that extra puffs of their reliever inhaler are safe.
- Use a spacer device if possible.
- Don’t lie the student down or put your arm around the student.
- Don’t leave the student on their own.
- I possible, you should not take students to hospital in your own car. However, if this necessary another adult should accompany you.
In an asthma attack immediately follow the 5 Step Rule (a handy 5 Step Rule poster can be found here). These posters can be displayed in classrooms, sports halls and on staff noticeboards. We are happy to provide hard copies to schools that request them.
Asthma Policy for schools
We recommend that all schools have an Asthma Policy in place that is reviewed regularly. You can find a sample policy that can be adapted here.
P.E. and sport
Exercise improves lung function and is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Asthma symptoms shouldn’t stop children from taking part in sport and P.E., provided that certain precautions are taken.
Read our Reach Your Peak with Asthma booklet to learn about:
- Exercise-induced asthma
- Common sporting triggers
- Tips for exercising with asthma, and how to manage asthma before, during and after activity
Asthma Safe Schools Programme
The Asthma Safe Schools programme was designed to educate teachers on asthma management and train and certify them on the appropriate use of SABA, as well as advocate for system-level change to protect children with asthma in a school setting.
The programme provides crucial interventions to some of the most vulnerable young people living with asthma in Ireland. It helps enhance asthma management and awareness in schools across Ireland, foster social inclusion, and build skills and capacity amongst teachers and SNAs. In the longer term, it also aims to change the current regulatory framework around the administration of potentially life-saving asthma medication in schools.
Read more about the programme here.