Chronic Conditions
Asthma
Asthma is one of the most common chronic disorders affecting children. Asthma attacks are usually brought on by coming into contact with a certain trigger. Some triggers that may cause these attack are cigarette smoke, exposure to cold air, and exercise. It is very important for students who have had asthma attacks to carry an emergency inhaler. According to the Mayo Clinic (http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/outgrow-asthma/AN01973 ) asthma may improve during adolescence and young adulthood, but most children will not outgrow it. According to Northern Local Policy, a child may carry an inhaler for emergency purposes. Each student carrying an inhaler will need to have a Prescription Medication form completed each school year which is signed by the doctor and a parent or legal guardian.
Severe Allergic Reactions (Anaphylaxis)
A severe allergic reaction known as Anaphylaxis can happen when individuals come in contact with certain foods or from a beesting. Peanuts, treenuts, milk, eggs, soy, and fish and wheat are the most common allergies. According to The Food Allergy Program most children will outgrow their food allergies but peanut, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish are considered to be lifelong.
Typical Allergy Symptoms
| SKIN SYMPTOMS | GUT SYMPTOMS | RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS | Cardiovascular | Neurological |
| Hives | Cramps | Itchy watery eyes | Reduced Blood Pressure | Feeling impending doom |
| Swelling | Nausea | Runny nose, Sneezing | Fainting | Weakness |
| Itchy Red Rash | Vomiting | Coughing | Shock | |
| Eczema flare | Diarrhea | Itchy or swelling lips, tongue, or throat | Chest pain | |
| Change in Voice | ||||
| Difficulty swallowing | ||||
| Tightness Chest | ||||
| Wheezing | ||||
| Shortness of Breath | ||||
| Repetitive throat clearing |
(CDC School Food Allergy Plan)
A student may carry their Epipen on them for emergency administration. They will need to have a Prescription Medication form completed each year which is signed by the doctor and the parent or legal guardian. All emergency treatment of anaphylaxis will have Emergency Medical Services called and be transported to the hospital for evaluation
Diabetes
According to the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 12 million Americans have diabetes. Students may have Type 1 Diabetes which requires frequent monitoring of blood sugars and insulin administration for meals and snacks. This type of diabetes is related to an immune system problem that has destroyed the pancreas which is responsible for making insulin.
Type 2 Diabetics may need blood sugar monitoring and require oral medications to treat their disease. Most type 2 diabetics are older adults, but it is increasing in numbers in children due to being overweight and obese. Risk factors for type 2 diabetics include being overweight and having a family member with diabetes.
All diabetic students must have a Diabetic Management Plan for school. This plan allows for proper management of carbohydrate (meal) coverage, corrections for high and low blood sugars, and emergency treatments for very low or very high blood sugars. It is important for the diabetic to monitor their blood sugars frequently as needed to achieve good control of their diabetes.
Diabetes care is crucial
- for immediate safety of the student
- for long term health of the student
- to insure they are ready to learn and participate in school activites
- minimize possibility of diabetes-related emergencies
It is essential that students are monitored and effectively manage their blood sugars at school and home. The involvement of school personnel, the diabetic student, parents, and physicians are important in managing the health of these individuals. Whether your child is a Type 1 or 2 Diabetic, it essential that you notify school personnel regarding your child.
(Information from "Helping the Student with Diabetes Succeed", June 2003)