AsthmaJanet Blair.

Healthy Start

In

Child Care

Asthma Facts• Chronic problem that usually lasts a lifetime.• Usually diagnosed by age of 3.• May improve or go away permanently around

puberty and early adulthood.• NO cure, but treatment is available.• All people who have allergies, are not

asthmatics.• More common among lower socioeconomic

groups.

Asthma Statistics• Over 17 million

Americans.

• Over 35% are children.

• Rate doubled b/tn 1980 & 1994.

• Medical bills $600.00 higher a year for asthmatic children.

Increase in Disease

• Rate doubled b/tn 1980 &

1994.

• Why?

A Working Definition

• A lung disease in which the airways are so sensitive they sometimes

become blocked, making breathing difficult. These episodes are called

“attacks”.

Symptoms

• Coughing

• Shortness of breath

• Chest tightness

• Wheezing

Triggers

• Infections• Exercise• Weather• Strong Emotions• Allergens

Infections• Viral is worst• Breastfeeding

increases baby’s resistance

• Flu and pneumonia vaccines

• Avoid people with colds

• At sign of infection, call M.D.

Exercise• Swimming is good• Premedicate• Overexertion

– Running upstairs– Carrying heavy

loads– Jogging– Playing team

sports

Weather

• Cold air

• Cover mouth and nose in winter

• Seasonal pollens

• Summer heat and air pollution

Strong Emotions

• Laughing

• Crying

• Yelling

• Fear

Allergens

• Cockroaches

• Dust mites

• Pollen

• Mold spores

• Pet dander

• Cigarettes

Cockroaches

• Droppings• Cockroaches love:

– Warmth

– Food

– Water

– Newspapers

– Paper/Grocery bags

– Garbage

Dust Mites• 80% of asthmatic

children are allergic to dust mites

• Droppings• Hatch every 3 weeks• Mites love:

– Humidity– Pillows/comforters/

mattresses– Carpet

Pollen• Early Spring: Trees• Late Spring & Early

Summer: Grasses• Late Summer & Fall:

Weeds• Launder curtains/rugs• Dust/vacuum weekly• Avoid outdoor activity

Mold• Dark damp places• Basements, attics,

bathrooms, insulation, and refrigerators

• Launder bath mats & shower curtains

• Use exhaust fans• Repair leaks

Pet Dander• Avoid

furry/feathered pets• MUST:

– Keep pet out of bedroom

– Brush and bathe pet weekly

– Launder pet beds weekly

– Dust and vacuum weekly

Cigarette Smoke• Don’t smoke while

pregnant• Don’t smoke in the

house• Launder clothes • DON’T SMOKE

AROUND CHILDREN

Treatments

• Pills

• Inhalers and accessories

• Nebulizers

Long-Term Medicines

• Long-Term Medicine

• Prevents Attacks

• Take daily

• Anti-inflammatory

– Cromolyn

– Corticosteroids

Quick Relief Medicines

• Act quickly

• Relieve asthma attack

• Use only as needed or before exercise

• Bronchodilators– Theophylline

– Inhaled/oral bronchodilators

Inhalers• Many times children

and adults do not use the inhalers properly

• Always instruct person to exhale completely then press inhaler as inhale. Must get medication into lungs

• DEMO

Wrong Way

•Do Not Put

Inhaler In Mouth

Right Way• Place 2 fingers in

front of mouth and place

inhaler at that point

Cleaning and Use• Once a day clean

inhaler and cap by rinsing in warm running water.

• Twice a week wash plastic mouthpiece with mild soap and warm water. Rinse and dry well.

Other Designs• If it

squeaks….

They’re inhaling too

fast

Newest Designs

Nebulizers• Often used with

young children

• Make sure all medication has been received

• Don’t leave infant alone

School Days• Always

document• Keep records• Talk with

parents daily• ER visits