Supporting School Nurses
ASTHMA CONTROL TESTS (ACT) We would encourage a student with asthma to complete an ACT to gain subjective insight into their asthma management. Click here to download an example ACT test.
ASTHMA SYMPTOM DIARY
If asthmatic, contracting Covid-19 may put a student at an increased risk of having an asthma exacerbation. The best way to prevent this is through good asthma control. This is similar advice to an asthmatic who contracts Influenza or RSV for example.
- Taking a Preventer medication as prescribed by a G.P
- Ensure student is taking their preventer medication as prescribed twice daily or daily if on Breo.
- Using a Reliever (Blue) inhaler when necessary. If they are not taking a Preventer, please ask them to seek advice from their G.P about commencing one, especially if the student requires reliever medication more than twice a week.
- Check inhalers are not empty. When an inhaler is full it should feel heavy and when you shake it next to your ear it should sound like liquid moving. If getting empty, it should feel very light and when shaken to the ear, an inhaler makes a gritty/sandy like noise. Inhaler should be discarded and new inhaler started. Inhalers should not be used as they near empty, as there is more propellant than medication so this will mean less medication than prescribed. If in doubt throw it out once you have a replacement.
- Carry appropriate emergency medication with them.
- Check all medication is in date; fill repeat prescriptions if necessary or arrange new ones through the G.P. This can often be done without actually needing to see a G.P.
- Use metered dose inhalers with a spacer (contact Asthma NZ 0800 227 328 if they don’t have one.)
- If the students is unsure of device technique, please check with the G.P, pharmacist, or a nurse at Asthma NZ.
- Follow the student's Asthma Action Plan, if they do not have one, please refer the student to their GP for one. Regular check-ups are important.
- Make sure you know what to do in the event of an asthma emergency. For advice go to www.asthma.org.nz
- If any students require a new spacer/peak flow monitor, emergency magnet or asthma action plan brochure or any further advice, please contact Asthma NZ directly. Free call 0800 227 328. Extra information and informative posts can be found on our social media platforms – follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and You-Tube AT THE BOTTOM of this newsletter.
DO YOU HAVE A STUDENT TAKING ONLY SALBUTUMOL?
We know that vaping is something many young people are doing. Naturally we advise against vaping as we would prefer that the only thing that goes into lungs is oxygen. However, if vaping is something that YOU ARE AWARE the student is doing, please advise them not to share vapes and avoid standing in the cloud that someone breathes out.
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CORRECT INHALER USE
It is imperative that families and students are aware of exactly what inhaler they are using and why? There is a big difference between relievers and preventers and it is crucial that families seek help from ASTHMA NZ around education but also for us to help re-assure you that you are following the prescribed inhaler use so that over-use does not also cause a bigger problem than what you are trying to resolve.
DOES THE STUDENT HAVE AN ASTHMA MANAGEMENT PLAN?

Always a good thing to know as we believe in being prepared for worst outcomes but expecting the best. Educate yourself on what you need to know as a parent or student. You can also print here a very good FIRST AID poster to hang in your school clinic.
REFER A STUDENT TO ASTHMA NZ
Asthma New Zealand nurse educators provide FREE education, training and support to individuals with asthma/COPD and their families, in order that they may achieve their desired goals. Click below and refer to us. GP'S, school nurse or even THE STUDENT can refer TO US FREE. Click here.
KNOW WHERE YOUR LOCAL ASTHMA SOCIETY IS
There should be help, advice and support in a town near you. Click Here
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
Click here to seek a nurse educators help HERE
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