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RW (Word) - Ramos, Xandra M
RW (Word) - Ramos, Xandra M
LINGAYEN CAMPUS
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
A.Y. 2021-2022
RESEARCH WORK
TOPIC: Learners with Chronic Illnesses
Presented to
Ma’am Jocelyn Abalos
FACULTY OF EDUCATION
Pangasinan State University – Lingayen Campus
Presented by
XANDRA M. RAMOS
III BSE ENG B
March 2022
Direction: Research on some information pertaining or relevant to the topic assigned to you following
the correct format below to be presented during our online meeting.
TITLE:
Learners with Chronic Illnesses
•Epilepsy
Learners with Chronic Illnesses
•Allergy
Learning Outcomes:
1. Demonstrate understanding of learner’s chronic illnesses, particularly epilepsy and
allergies
INTRODUCTION:
Students may have medical conditions that are “invisible” (not easy to see), but cause serious problems in
an educational setting. Students can be disabled by chronic illnesses such as asthma, allergies, arthritis,
diabetes, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, Lyme disease, migraines, cardiac conditions, cancer, chronic
fatigue syndrome, lupus, seizure disorders, among many others.
Symptoms of all these conditions can be unpredictable and fluctuate. Students with chronic illnesses or
pain may have limited energy and difficulty walking, standing, or sitting for a long time. Some medical
conditions may cause students to become dizzy and disoriented, or they may lack physical stamina. Thus,
they may be unable to get quickly from one location on campus to another.
In addition, students may miss class occasionally due to exacerbations, flare-ups, or treatment schedules.
Medical conditions, including medication side effects, can cause problems with fatigue and stamina, which
can adversely affect attention and concentration.
CONTENT
What is chronic illness?
A chronic illness is a long-term health condition that may not have a cure. A chronic or long-term illness
means having to adjust to the demands of the illness and the therapy used to treat the condition. There
may be additional stresses, since chronic illness might change the way you live, see yourself and
relate to others.
What are the characteristics of chronic illness?
complex causes
many risks factors
long latency periods (time between onset of the illness and feeling its effects)
a long illness
functional impairment or disability.
Most chronic illnesses do not fix themselves and are generally not cured completely. Some
can be immediately life-threatening, such as heart disease and stroke. Others linger over time
and need intensive management, such as diabetes. Most chronic illnesses persist throughout a
person’s life, but are not always the cause of death, such as arthritis.
There are various types of chronic illnesses, but we are going to focus on epilepsy and allergies.
What is epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a common disorder of the brain that causes recurring seizures. Epilepsy
affects people of all ages, but children and older adults are more likely to have
epilepsy. Seizures are the main sign of epilepsy and most people can control this with
treatment. Some seizures can look like staring spells while other seizures can cause a
person to collapse, stiffen or shake, and become unaware of what’s going on around
them. Many times the cause is unknown.
Picture a school with 1,000 students—that means about 6 students would have
epilepsy. For many children, epilepsy is easily controlled with medication and they
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can do what all the other kids can do, and perform as well academically. For others, it
can be more challenging.
Compared with students with other health concerns, a CDC(Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention) study shows that students aged 6–17 years with epilepsy were
more likely to miss 11 or more days of school in the past year. Also, students with
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epilepsy were more likely to have difficulties in school, use special education services,
and have activity limitations such as less participation in sports or clubs compared
with students with other medical conditions.
Seizure triggers
Some things make seizures more likely for some people with epilepsy. These are often called
‘triggers’. Triggers don’t cause epilepsy, but they make seizures more likely.
Not all people with epilepsy have seizure triggers. And the things that trigger one person’s
seizures might not affect other people with epilepsy in the same way.
Here are some of the seizure triggers that have been reported by people with epilepsy:
If you notice any unusual behaviour in a student, record your observations and report them
to your school nurse or school principal. Follow the school procedures for reporting to
parents.
To help a student with epilepsy, a teacher should know how to make them safe
during a:
Convulsive seizure
Keep calm
Note time
Make area safe
Support head
Do not put anything in the mouth
Do not restrain the person
Put person in recovery position after seizure finishes
Stay with the person until she/he recovers
Non-convulsive seizure
Act calmly
Reassure the person
Stay with him/her until he/she recovers
If a person recovers from the seizure:
Stay with him/her until full consciousness returns
Offer reassurance, comfort and support. He/she may be confused and tired
He/she may need to go to the toilet or have a change of clothing should he/she
have become incontinent
Allow him/her to rest or have a sleep. He/she may wish to go home to recover
Calmly explain to the class what has happened
Resume class work. The person who had the seizure will need to be re-instructed
Bring to the clinic or send to the hospital if the seizure:
Lasts more than 5 minutes
Follows one after another without full recovery
Is in water
Is the first one
If the person is pregnant or has diabetes
If a person has been injured
If consciousness or breathing do not return to normal
Students with epilepsy have a wide range of learning abilities. Epilepsy does not necessarily
hinder learning and skill development but many with the condition do experience learning
issues which may include motor skills or cognitive functions, as well as a difficulty acquiring
new skills or knowledge.
Anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) are commonly used for treating epilepsy and for most people
they are generally well tolerated. However, all AEDs have a list of possible unwanted side
effects. These include, for example, rashes, behavioural changes, swollen gums, acne, feeling
drowsy/tired/fatigued, experiencing weight changes, feeling moody, nauseous or having
problems with how the brain works. These side effects can be minor or severe, or long lasting
and potentially irreversible. As a result of taking AEDs some people experience issues with
memory and concentration and they can find it difficult to learn and store new information.
This is because AEDs can interfere with the speed in which the brain can process
information.
The seizures themselves may also have an effect on a person’s ability to learn. People with
the condition are often tired after a seizure, which in turn affects memory and concentration.
A seizure also disrupts memory functioning processes. Memories before a seizure can be lost,
because they are not fully incorporated into the memory system, and then the loss of
consciousness further disrupts the encoding and storage of information. On recovery from a
seizure, the confusion that follows further prevents memory from working properly. The type
of memory impairment depends on where the seizures originate in the brain.
To help a student with epilepsy the teacher should consider the social and
emotional needs as follows:
1. Seek Guidance. “The first thing the teacher needs to do is seek guidance and support
if a student is having trouble in the classroom because of a chronic illness or
condition,” says Eredics. Talk to the family about their needs and the needs of their
child; then connect with the learning support staff at the school. Meeting with the
student and parent to discuss, in detail, the student’s epilepsy, i.e. seizure
description, first aid instructions, medication, and triggers. Ensure that the
student is in partnership in the management of their epilepsy and that he/she
takes responsibility for it. In many cases, seizures are only a temporary
interruption in a student’s life, and so positive interactions are important. It is
entirely up to the student and parents to decide whether or not to disclose the
student’s epilepsy condition to classmates.
2. Encouraging a ‘buddy’ system to operate within the classroom/school to prevent the
student with epilepsy from feeling socially isolated. He/she should be encouraged to fully
participate in all school activities, including most sports. A risk management plan is
necessary to give confidence to the teacher and classmates in supporting the person with
epilepsy.
Treat the student as the same as everyone else and avoid negative comments and actions
that would discourage generally full participation at school. Overprotecting a student is
unhelpful and it may lead to unnecessarily denying a person the opportunities that would
normally be afforded to him/her.
3. Educating the classmates about the epilepsy condition and explain how to help
someone during a seizure. Epilepsy is still a misunderstood condition, and stigmas
and prejudice are still present in schools and communities at large. This negative
perception is detrimental to the psychological wellbeing of students with epilepsy and
can have life-long psychological ramifications for them. Any emotional stress can
lead to more seizures, which could mean absenteeism from school.
4. Identifying behavioural changes that could indicate a side effect from AEDs or a
mood change leading to depression, poor self-esteem, and anxiety. Since epilepsy is
an unpredictable episodic event, many students may feel embarrassed, angry, or
anxious about having epilepsy and these emotions need to be addressed in order to
avoid developing mental health issues.
2. Recognize that seizures and medications can cause memory and concentration issues. Put in
place strategies to help aid in encoding, storing, and retrieving information.
Eliminate distractions
Give a short set of instructions that are clearly understood by the student
Be prepared to re-instruct during a lesson
Allow for processing time
Give the student notes to use instead of having him/her copy from a whiteboard
Revise new information daily
Teach basic study skills such as highlighting, paraphrasing, outlining, and
summarizing
Encourage the use of organizational aids such as preparing lists, timetables,
diaries
Simplify tasks
Use diagrams, graphs, and pictures
Provide frequent feedback
Provide additional time to complete work
One-on-one instruction
Provide extra tuition
Create a supportive environment to enhance the student’s learning potential
Positively help a child, absent with seizures, by providing notes for him/her
Considering all these considerations, it is important to treat these students like any other student. The
impulse to give students with chronic conditions special treatment may do more harm than good.
That’s because they just want to be accepted by their peers. Make sure the student doesn’t feel
alienated, while also tending to their needs. Being a role model is the first step, Eredics says: “The
teacher needs to lead by example and create a climate of acceptance.”
What is allergy?
Allergy occurs when a person reacts to substances in the environment that are harmless to
most people. These substances are known as allergens and are found in dust mites, pets,
pollen, insects, ticks, molds, foods and some medications.
Atopy is the genetic tendency to develop allergic diseases. When atopic people are exposed
to allergens, they can develop an immune reaction that leads to allergic inflammation. This
can cause symptoms in the:
Nose and/or eyes, resulting in allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and/or conjunctivitis.
Skin resulting in eczema, or hives (urticaria).
Lungs resulting in asthma.
When a person who is allergic to a particular allergen comes into contact with it, an allergic
reaction occurs:
When the allergen (such as pollen) enters the body, it triggers an antibody response.
The antibodies attach themselves to mast cells.
When the pollen comes into contact with the antibodies, the mast cells respond by
releasing histamine.
When the release of histamine is due to an allergen, the resulting inflammation
(redness and swelling) is irritating and uncomfortable.
Similar reactions can occur to some chemicals and food additives. However, if they do not
involve the immune system, they are known as adverse reactions, not allergy.
Types of Allergies
Drug Allergy-True allergies to drugs (medicines) occur in only a small number of people. Most drug
reactions are not allergic but are side effects of the properties of the medicine. A diagnosis of the cause of
the drug reaction is usually based only upon the patient’s history and symptoms. Sometimes skin testing
for drug allergy is also done.
Food Allergy-There are different types of allergic reactions to foods. There are differences between IgE-
mediated allergies, non-IgE mediated allergies and food intolerances.
Insect Allergy-Bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets and fire ants are the most common stinging insects
that cause an allergic reaction.
Non-stinging insects can also cause allergic reactions. The most common are cockroaches and the insect-
like dust mite. Allergies to these two insects may be the most common cause of year-round allergy and
asthma.
Latex Allergy-A latex allergy is an allergic reaction to natural rubber latex. Natural rubber latex gloves,
balloons, condoms and other natural rubber products contain latex. An allergy to latex can be a serious
health risk.
Mold Allergy-Mold and mildew are fungi. Since fungi grow in so many places, both indoors and outdoors,
allergic reactions can occur year-round.
Pet Allergy-Allergies to pets with fur are common. It is important to know that an allergy-free
(hypoallergenic) breed of dog or cat does not exist.
Pollen Allergy-Allergies to pets with fur are common. It is important to know that an allergy-free
(hypoallergenic) breed of dog or cat does not exist.
Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis causes the immune system to release a flood of chemicals that can cause you to
go into shock — blood pressure drops suddenly and the airways narrow, blocking breathing.
Common triggers include certain foods, some medications, insect venom and latex.
Symptoms
Skin reactions, including hives and itching and flushed or pale skin
Constriction of the airways and a swollen tongue or throat, which can cause
wheezing and trouble breathing
Dizziness or fainting
The most common anaphylaxis triggers in children are food allergies, such as to peanuts and
tree nuts, fish, shellfish, wheat, soy, sesame and milk. Besides allergy to peanuts, nuts, fish,
sesame and shellfish, anaphylaxis triggers in adults include:
Stings from bees, yellow jackets, wasps, hornets and fire ants
Latex
The next time you take the drug, these specific antibodies flag the drug and direct immune
system attacks on the substance. Chemicals released by this activity cause the signs and
symptoms associated with an allergic reaction.
You may not be aware of your first exposure to a drug, however. Some evidence suggests
that trace amounts of a drug in the food supply, such as an antibiotic, may be sufficient for
the immune system to create an antibody to it.
Some allergic reactions may result from a somewhat different process. Researchers believe
that some drugs can bind directly to a certain type of immune system white blood cell called
a T cell. This event sets in motion the release of chemicals that can cause an allergic reaction
the first time you take the drug.
Although any drug can cause an allergic reaction, some drugs are more commonly associated
with allergies. These include:
Sometimes a reaction to a drug can produce signs and symptoms virtually the same as those
of a drug allergy, but a drug reaction isn't triggered by immune system activity. This
condition is called a nonallergic hypersensitivity reaction or pseudoallergic drug reaction.
Drugs that are more commonly associated with this condition include:
Aspirin
Local anesthetics
Risk factors
While anyone can have an allergic reaction to a drug, a few factors can increase your risk.
These include:
Prevention
If you have a drug allergy, the best prevention is to avoid the problem drug. Steps you can
take to protect yourself include the following:
Inform health care workers. Be sure that your drug allergy is clearly identified
in your medical records. Inform other health care providers, such as your dentist
or any medical specialist.
Wear a bracelet. Wear a medical alert bracelet that identifies your drug allergy.
This information can ensure proper treatment in an emergency.
Causes
Epilepsy has no identifiable cause in about half the people with the condition. In the other
half, the condition may be traced to various factors, including:
Researchers have linked some types of epilepsy to specific genes, but for most
people, genes are only part of the cause of epilepsy. Certain genes may make a
person more sensitive to environmental conditions that trigger seizures.
Prenatal injury. Before birth, babies are sensitive to brain damage that could be
caused by several factors, such as an infection in the mother, poor nutrition or
oxygen deficiencies. This brain damage can result in epilepsy or cerebral palsy.
Risk factors
Certain factors may increase your risk of epilepsy:
Age. The onset of epilepsy is most common in children and older adults, but the
condition can occur at any age.
Head injuries. Head injuries are responsible for some cases of epilepsy. You
can reduce your risk by wearing a seat belt while riding in a car and by wearing
a helmet while bicycling, skiing, riding a motorcycle or engaging in other
activities with a high risk of head injury.
Stroke and other vascular diseases. Stroke and other blood vessel (vascular)
diseases can lead to brain damage that may trigger epilepsy. You can take a
number of steps to reduce your risk of these diseases, including limiting your
intake of alcohol and avoiding cigarettes, eating a healthy diet, and exercising
regularly.
Complications
Having a seizure at certain times can lead to circumstances that are dangerous to yourself or
others.
Falling. If you fall during a seizure, you can injure your head or break a bone.
Drowning. If you have epilepsy, you're 13-19 times more likely to drown while
swimming or bathing than the rest of the population because of the possibility of
having a seizure while in the water.
Car accidents. A seizure that causes either loss of awareness or control can be
dangerous if you're driving a car or operating other equipment.
Most women with epilepsy can become pregnant and have healthy babies.
You'll need to be carefully monitored throughout pregnancy, and medications
may need to be adjusted. It's very important that you work with your doctor to
plan your pregnancy.
Other life-threatening complications of epilepsy are uncommon, but may happen, such as: