School Nurse
Asthma and Thunderstorms
Asthma Management during Extreme Weather Conditions
Thunderstorms have been linked to epidemics of asthma, especially at the end of Spring, when grasses are flowering.
An asthma attack can be life threatening. Anyone experiencing wheezing, chest tightness and difficulty breathing should call 000.
Anyone with a known history of asthma is at risk of experiencing an exacerbation of their usual symptoms at this time.
In addition, people who do not usually experience symptoms of asthma but have a history of allergies may be at increased risk.
The common signs of asthma are difficulty in breathing (gasping for air), chest tightness and wheezing.
If a child's condition is deteriorating, parents or guardians should seek urgent care. Signs of rapid deterioration include little or no relief from a reliever inhaler, inability to speak comfortably, or lips turning blue.
People with asthma should continue to use their usual medications. Where possible, stay inside when the weather is windy with high pollen counts or dust.
Asthma Action Plans
For any child having an asthma attack, follow the instructions in their Asthma Action Plan.
If an Asthma Care Plan is not available, follow the four-step asthma first aid, which is:
1. Sit the person upright and give reassurance – do not leave them alone.
2. Without delay, give the person four separate puffs of their blue/grey reliever medication (such as Airomir, Asmol, Bricanyl or Ventolin). If using a puffer (like Ventolin or Asmol), this should be taken one puff at a time through a spacer. Ask the person to take four breaths from the spacer after each puff of medication.
3. Wait four minutes. If there is little or no improvement, repeat steps 2 and 3.
4. If there is still no improvement, call 000 for an ambulance immediately. Repeat steps 2 and 3 continuously while waiting for the ambulance to arrive.
If the child's symptoms include wheezing, chest tightness and difficulty breathing, call 000.
An Asthma Action Plan is required to be provided by the parent or carer to the school for any child who has asthma, under the Department's asthma policy.
This needs to be updated annually and with any changes.
New forms are available specific to your child’s individual treatment plan, including:
- the use of a Puffer
- the use of a Puffer and Spacer
- the use of a a Bricanyl Turbuhaler
If your child has a diagnosis of Asthma or history of Asthma associated symptoms please discuss the best treatment plan for your child with your child’s medical practitioner. The appropriate Victorian Schools Asthma Action Plan recommended can be downloaded from the following website by your child’s doctor:
Once completed, signed and dated by the doctor, please send it to the school. It is also vital that your child’s prescribed reliever medication and any other device aid i.e. spacer prescribed is sent to school. Please advise the school if you require any of these items sent back home at the end of the school day or if you would like them to remain at school, as you have more of the same available at home.
If your medical practitioner has informed you that your child has grown out of their asthma, they will need to provide a letter, on the practice letterhead to the school stating such.
For more information and resources in supporting asthma sufferers, see:
The Asthma Foundation of Victoria. FREECALL 1800 278 482. Asthma.org.au
School Policy and Advisory Guide: Treating asthma attacks
'Keep Well & Stay Safe'
Rosemary Van Aperen
School Nurse