Health Problems at School
Asthma
Asthma is the most common chronic childhood disease. Asthma is characterized by excessive sensitivity of the lungs to various stimuli. With asthma, it is very hard to get air in and out of the lungs. Changes in the airways block the flow of air, making it very hard to breathe. Each child reacts differently to the various triggers that may cause asthma symptoms. Asthma cannot be cured, but it can be prevented and controlled.
Only in rare cases do children with asthma need emergency care. However, even a mild asthma episode can be frightening.
Some symptoms of asthma are:
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Tightness and/or discomfort in chest
- Coughing
Some asthma triggers are:
- Upper respiratory infections (colds)
- Smoke from cigarettes, wood or burning materials
- Fumes from automobiles, cleaning products, or aerosol sprays
- Scents from cosmetics, lotions, or perfumes
- Odors from paints, glues or cooking
- Air pollution
- Pet dander, cockroaches, dust mites, molds and pollen
- Exercise
- Emotional stress
- Weather or temperature changes
To control asthma episodes you must treat symptoms early, use medication regularly as prescribed, and know when medical help is needed. Please contact your school nurse for more information.
Asthma Action Plan (27 KB)
Asthma Information form (17 KB)
Allergies
An allergic reaction occurs when the body detects the presence of a substance or food that it deems harmful. In an attempt to protect the body, the immune system produces antibodies and releases chemicals, such as histamine, into the bloodstream. The chemicals released cause many different reactions. Each allergic reaction is unique. An allergic reaction can be mild or severe; can happen immediately or a few hours after a person has eaten. The best treatment for food allergies is to simply avoid the foods. Please contact your school nurse for information and medical forms.
Allergy Information Form
Epi Pen Doctor's Order form
Food
Allergies are a growing concern in schools across America. Millions of children must watch every single bite they eat, or risk suffering a severe or even life threatening reaction. Food allergies claim over 200 lives and are responsible for over 30,000 emergency room visits each year. This is a major health issue and must be taken seriously. It is the policy of our school to make the safety and well being of our students our top priority.
Insect
If your student has insect allergies that require emergency medical treatment such as an epinephrine injection, please contact your school nurse for information including necessary medical forms.
Diabetes HB 984
Diabetes is a life long condition, requiring monitoring and judgment in all areas of an individual’s life, including exercise, nutrition and illness. Students with diabetes need the support of caring adults to guide them in their disease management to maintain wellness and prevent or delay complications.
HB 984 amends the Health and Safety Code (Chapter 168) to ensure that the students with diabetes obtain appropriate care at school and while participating in any school activity to enhance their health and ensure their safety and optimize academic performance.
Special Needs / Specials procedures
The school nurses for Garland ISD are committed to providing individualized, specialized care for students with special health needs including specialized nursing procedures such as glucose monitoring, insulin administration, tube feeding, catheterization, tracheostomy care, suctioning, and chest percussion therapy (CPT) with appropriate physician’s orders. Please contact your child’s school nurse for additional information, to schedule a conference, and to get copies of the appropriate forms for your physician to sign.