Asthma

Aimee PrideauEEC 4731

Spring 2011

What is Asthma?

A chronic respiratory disease that affects the airways

*Causes airways to produce excess mucous and to be narrow, swollen, inflamed, and reactive

An inherited form of allergic response

How an Asthma Attack Occurs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlZ7R07OrR4

Facts about AsthmaThere is no cure 9.6% (7.1 million) of US children currently have

asthma(http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/asthma.htm)Boys are affected twice as often as girlsMost people with asthma have co-existing allergiesPoorly controlled asthma may slow a child’s growth

rate (http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Asthma/Asthma_WhoIsAtRisk.html)

Symptoms may interfere with sleep qualityPermanent narrowing of the bronchial tubes (airway

remodeling) may occur (http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/asthma/DS00021/DSECTION=complications)

Common Triggers

Airborne allergens (pollen, mold, dander, etc)Air pollution/ Chemical irritantsRespiratory infectionsTemperature changesFood allergies (wheat, milk, nuts, etc)Certain medications (i.e. aspirin, NSAID’s, beta

blockers)High humiditySulfites and preservatives in foodPhysical activity (exercise induced asthma)Stress and strong emotions (especially anger)

Symptoms of AsthmaWheezingCoughingChest tightnessShortness of breathDifficulty breathing (especially exhaling)

An asthma attack occurs when symptoms become worse than usual

Asthma Symptoms & Treatments : How to Notice an Asthma Attack in Children

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rMgHaimOIM

When to Seek Emergency Medical Assistance

If symptoms of an attack persist after administering doctor/ parent approved treatments and medications

If cyanosis is present (blue lips and nail beds)If loss of consciousness occursIf weakness, an altered state of consciousness, or

mental confusion are present (these are signs of inadequate oxygen supply to the body)

If breathing is very labored, possibly accompanied by fatigue, anxiety, and restlessness

IF YOU FEEL A CHILD IS EXPERIENCING A LIFE THREATENING ASTHMA

ATTACK, DO NOT DELAY! CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY!

Living with Asthma- Managing the Condition

Long term Controller Medications

- Inhaled corticosteroids (i.e.- Pulmicort, Flovent, Aerobid)

- Inhaled long acting beta 2 agonists (i.e.- Salmeterol,

Formoterol)- Leukotriene modifiers (i.e.-

Singulair, Accolate)- Combination inhalers (i.e.-

Advair, Symbicort)- Theophylline

Fast Acting Rescue Medications

- Oral and IV corticosterioids (i.e.- Prednisone,

Methylprednisone)Bronchodilators, such as:

- Inhaled short acting beta 2 agonists (i.e.- Albuterol

inhaler or nebulizer treatment)

- Ipratropium (i.e.- Atrovent)

- Reduce exposure to known triggers- Aerobic exercise can help strengthen the lungs

**A combination of controller medications and fast acting rescue medications may be used to decrease

swelling and open airways

In the ClassroomKeep an action plan (created collaboratively with families)

on file for each child with asthma to follow in the event of symptom flare-ups

Calmly observe and record the events surrounding an asthma attack, including any warning signs, possible triggers, duration of attack, response to treatments, physical appearance of the child, or other pertinent information

Help the child sit in a position that makes breathing easier and offer small sips of room temperature water during an attack

Notify the child’s family if symptoms do not respond to the agreed upon treatments

Teach the class about the condition to reduce fears or ridicule

Promote respect for diversity and acceptance of differences through lessons and experiences designed to foster a caring classroom community where similarities are noticed and unique traits are embraced

Helpful Teaching ModificationsEliminate any known or probable triggers in the

classroom ( Thorough cleaning and careful consideration of materials are essential)

Encourage aerobic activities but avoid overexertionEmpower children to take an active role in

managing their conditionProvide a quiet area for relaxation/ stress relief

where children can go to relax (which may fend off an attack) or recover from an episode

Reduce stress/ emotion related attacks by teaching children stress management techniques and appropriate ways to deal with and release emotions

Works CitedMarotz, L.R. (2009). Health, Safety. and Nutrition for the

Young Child (7th ed.). Clifton Park, NY: Cengage Delmar Learning.

Mayo Clinic Staff. (2010, May 27). Asthma. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/asthma/DS00021

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2010, November 16). Asthma. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/asthma/

United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2010, December 14). What is Asthma? Retrieved from http://www.epa.gov/asthma/

National Institute of Health (NIH). (2010, September 29). Asthma. Retrieved from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/asthma.html

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). ( 2008, September). Asthma. Retrieved from http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Asthma/Asthma_WhatIs.html