Asthma: An overview of management and education

Abstract

Asthma is the most common chronic disorder in schoolchildren and the school nurse plays an important role in supporting children with asthma ( Borgmeyer et al, 2005 ; Huss et al, 2001 ). School nurse have an important role in educating children about self-management and early management of exacerbations ( Ahmad and Grimes, 2011 ). This can lead to a reduction in absenteeism, and support their general wellbeing ( Ahmad and Grimes, 2011 ; Moonie et al, 2008 ; Rodriguez et al, 2013 ). Part of this role includes educating children and young adults about inhaler technique, and this is one area which nurses require further education and training ( Lalani et al, 2012 ; De Tratto et al, 2014 ). There is also a call for school nurses to work with a range of clinicians to support their students ( Hollenbach and Cloutier, 2014 ; Wilson et al, 2009 ).