This week, schools, families and health organisations around the globe celebrated World Asthma Day – a day dedicated to the prevention and treatment of asthma. Designed to promote asthma awareness and ensure those with the condition get diagnosed, World Asthma Day also serves as an important reminder for those working in childcare roles to be prepared in asthma management and care.
According to Asthma Australia, 1 in 10 Australian children have asthma. For this reason it is essential early childhood educators or childcare workers know the causes, symptoms and treatment of asthma. Asthma Australia, Education and Care
If you are an early childhood educator or childcare worker looking to update your skills, a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care may be the qualification for you. This course also includes unit HLTAID004 – a unit describing how to provide emergency first aid in an education and care setting. For an easy-to-read guide exploring asthma management and care within childcare keep reading!
What is Asthma?
Asthma Australia describes asthma as a long-term lung condition. Those affected often have trouble breathing due to a swelling in the breathing tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs Asthma Australia, 2017. A person with asthma has extremely sensitive airways which react to triggers that cause ‘flare-ups’. During a flare-up, the muscles around the airway become tight and the airways swell. This inflammation can cause the tubes narrow, making it difficult to breathe. This is what leads to an asthma attack. Asthma Australia, 2017
Asthma is a heterogeneous (diverse) disease that cannot be cured. Fortunately, it can be well controlled and monitored within children and adults of all ages with daily management plans.
What Triggers an Asthma Attack?
A flare-up, leading to an asthma attack, can be triggered by a number of things. Health Direct Australia outlined a range of triggers including:
– Infections of the airways and chest
– Allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, animal fur or feathers
– Airborne irritants, such as cigarette smoke, chemical fumes and pollution
– Some painkillers, such as aspirin and ibuprofen
– Emotional factors, such as stress or laughing
– Foods containing sulphites, and many processed or pre-cooked meals
– Weather conditions, such as sudden change in temperature, cold air, windy days and humid days
– Indoor conditions, such as mould or damp, house dust mites and chemicals in carpets
– Exercise
What Symptoms Should I Look Out For?
It is crucial that childcare workers are aware of the responsibility they have in monitoring a child who has asthma. They should always be prepared, especially during outside play or sports activities where a child could expect to fall short of breath. Early Childhood Australia reported that Australian early childhood education and care services can expect to have up to 10 per cent of children with asthma in their care, and that they should always be prepared. Early Childhood Australia, Asthma Management
The reality is a child’s asthma symptoms can vary over time. If they have well-controlled asthma they might not even show symptoms at all! Hart Beat Training Queensland, a leader in Asthma Management reported that childcare workers should look out for a child who displays these common symptoms, or appears:
– Breathless
– Wheezy
– Pale and sweaty
– Gasping for breath
– Coughing
– Frightened or panicked
– Experiences severe chest tightness
– Unable to speak more than one or two words per breath
An asthma attack is considered a life-threatening event. Therefore, it is essential childcare providers are able to detect and treat the signs of an asthma emergency quickly.
What Treatment Should I Give To a Child Who Is Experiencing Asthma Like Symptoms?
If a child is displaying asthma like symptoms childcare workers are advised to call an ambulance immediately on 000 and follow the four-step Asthma First Aid Plan. This Asthma First Aid plan is a national guideline that is used in schools, early childhood education and care services, and hospitals across Australia. To view asthma first aid plan available on National Asthma Council of Australia click here.
The Asthma First Aid Plan uses an inhaler to treat and relieve symptoms of asthma. An inhaler is a portable device used for administering medications that once breathed in, will relieve asthma like symptoms. Depending on the severity of a child’s asthma, an inhaler will be filled with different medication, for example Ventolin. To use the inhaler, one must remove the cap, check the dose counter, shake, connect the spacer, place mouthpiece between a child’s lips and press firmly down on the canister; releasing the correct amount of medication. This process is repeated several times, or until asthma like symptoms are relieved. Children born with asthma, and who regularly experience asthma like symptoms, are taught how to use inhalers from a very young age.
To view a detailed step-by-step guide on how to use an inhaler provided by National Asthma Council of Australia click here.
Find out more about World Asthma Day
Regulations About Asthma Management in Childcare
Under National Law and Regulations, at least one person on duty at any time, in any education and care setting, must have approved current training in emergency asthma management.
As outlined in the National Law and Education and Care Services National Regulation, the management of medical conditions, such as asthma in education and care services, is a national regulatory requirement. The objective of this National Law [section 3(2)] is to “ensure the safety, health and well-being of children attending education and care services.”
In this National law [National Regulation 136] states that “the following persons must be in attendance and immediately available in case of an emergency: At least one educator who holds a first aid qualification — At least one educator who has undertaken emergency asthma management training.”
A qualification such as the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care provides individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to work confidently in any early childhood education and care setting under these current Australian regulatory requirements.
What Else Can I Do?
It is essential that families and childcare staff work together to achieve the best health and well-being outcomes for children living with asthma. Early childhood educators or childcare workers can ensure excellent asthma management at their childcare centre, service or day care by:
– Engaging in regular, face to face meetings with children’s parents to discuss health care needs
– Becoming familiar with children’s Asthma Action Plans or Asthma Care plans
– Completing asthma first aid training
– Displaying informational asthma first aid posters in classroom
– Discussing asthma care and prevention strategies with colleagues
– Making sure children and parents feel supported
For more information about asthma care and prevention visit Asthma Australia.
Do you have what it takes to become a qualified Early Childhood Education and Care provider? Check out the course outline here. Or if you prefer to speak to a Course Advisor, call us on 1300 236 364.
