Catch Your Breath

Asthma Survival Skills

Provided by:

Generously supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

 Asthma Facts
Most common chronic disease in childhood
Almost 9 million American children have
asthma. (Over 100,000 in Wisconsin)
Children under 6 have the highest rate for
hospital admissions.
#1 reason children are admitted to
Childrens Hospital of Wisconsin
Asthma is the number one cause of school
absences.
 Causes of Asthma
There is no single reason for the onset of asthma

Heredity
Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) during infancy
Too much or not enough exposure to triggers
Air pollution
 Goals of Asthma Management
No asthma symptoms during day or
night, including cough. Sleep through
the night.
Best possible lung function
No missed school or work
No hospital or ER visits
Few side effects from medicines
Satisfied with asthma care
 What is Asthma?
-Inflammation
(swelling)
-Mucous Production
(snot)
- Bronchospasm
(muscle tightness)
 Early Warning Signs
Cough
Runny nose
Mood Changes
Head stopped up
Change in facial
Sneezing
appearance
Dark Circles under eyes
Breathing changes
Getting out of breath
Verbal complaints
Chest hurts
Itchy chin or neck
Itchy, watery, or
glassy eyes
Symptoms of Asthma Flare-up

Cough
Wheeze
Shortness of
breath
Chest tightness
Retractions
 Signs that Medical Help is Needed

Changes in color (fingernails/lips turn

blue/gray)
Skin between the ribs is pulling in
(retractions)
Nostrils open wider - nasal flaring.
Grunting
 Additional Signs that
Infants Need Medical Help
Breathing rate increases to over
40 breathes/minute while infant is
sleeping. (Count breathes for 15
seconds X 4)
Trouble feeding or feeding stops
Cry changes in quality (softer and
shorter)
 THINGS THAT MAKE ASTHMA WORSE
EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT
 Activators/Triggers

Cockroaches
Control spills, food mess, and leaks
Use baits
Dust Mites
Use pillow and mattress covers
Damp dust
Wash bedding in hot water
Animal Dander
No pets is best
Keep pets out of sleeping area
 Activators/Triggers

Tobacco Smoke
Be careful of secondhand smoke
Wash hands, use mouthwash
Pollens and Air Pollution
Midday = high levels
Use air conditioning, not fans
Molds
Clean mold with bleach solution
Plant soil is a source
Check outdoor, plastic toys and equipment
Wood Smoke
 Activators/Triggers

Strong Odors
Perfumes, scented candles, cleaning products
Colds and Infections
Wash hands frequently
Encourage yearly flu shots
Exercise
Plan warm up activities
Allow for pre-medication
Weather
Sudden changes in temperature
Cover nose and mouth in cold weather
 Contents of Cigarette Smoke
Acetone Methanol
Nail Polish Remover Rocket Fuel
Ammonia Carbon Monoxide
Floor and Toilet Cleaner Car exhaust fumes
Formaldehyde Butane
Body Tissue Preserver Cigarette lighter
Stearic Acid DDT
Candle Wax Insecticides
 Long-Term, Control Medications
Decrease the inflammation/swelling

Advair
 Quick Relief Medications
Loosens your muscles & stops the wheezing

Albuterol for Nebulizer

Spacers
 Without Spacer

1998,
Respironics Inc.

With Spacer
 Why Control Asthma?

M.
Zacharisen
 Is the Asthma in Control?
Does the child need a "quick-relief
inhaler" more than TWO TIMES A
WEEK?
Does the child wake up at night with
asthma more than TWO TIMES A
MONTH?
Does the family refill the "quick-relief
inhaler" more than TWO TIMES A
YEAR?
Rules of TwoTM is a registered trademark of the Baylor Health Care System.
 Risk of Death

Sudden, severe > 2 canisters per month

exacerbations of quick relief
Intubation Poor perception of
Admission to ICU asthma symptoms
> 2 hospitalizations in Psychiatric/psychosocial
the past year problems
3 or more ED visits in Low socioeconomic
the last year status/urban living
Hosp/ED visit in the last Alternaria (mold)
month sensitivity
Oral corticosteroids Illicit drug use
Mucus Plug
 Asthma Care Plans
Care plans can be used to determine how to
help a child with asthma based on symptoms
and/or peak flow meter readings.

List asthma medications, when to take them,

and how much to take.

Share copies with childcare providers, school

teachers and administration, coaches,
babysitters, and anyone else caring for the
child.
 Asthma Diaries
Diaries help track
Asthma symptoms
Use of medicines
Peak flow numbers
Triggers youve been in contact with
Diaries improve communication with your
doctor
 REMEMBER
To prevent & control an asthma
episode:
Develop & follow an asthma care plan.
Plan ways to reduce the childs contact with
triggers.
Treat symptoms early.
Be prepared for any changes in symptoms.
Know when a doctors help is needed & get
help right away.
Flare-ups DO NOT have to be a crisis!
Thanks!