Catch Your Breath Asthma Survival Skills

1. Catch Your Breath Asthma Survival Skills Provided by: Generously supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

2. 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 Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin • Asthma is the number one cause of school absences.

3. 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

4. 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

5. Respiratory System

7. What is Asthma? -Inflammation (swelling) -Mucous Production (snot) - Bronchospasm (muscle tightness)

8. Cough Mood Changes Change in facial appearance Breathing changes Verbal complaints Itchy chin or neck Itchy, watery, or glassy eyes Runny nose Head stopped up Sneezing Dark Circles under eyes Getting out of breath Chest hurts Early Warning Signs

9. Symptoms of Asthma Flare-up • Cough • Wheeze • Shortness of breath • Chest tightness • Retractions

10. 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

11. 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)

12. THINGS THAT MAKE ASTHMA WORSE EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT Triggers

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. Acetone Methanol Nail Polish RemoverRocket Fuel Ammonia Carbon Monoxide Floor and Toilet Cleaner Car exhaust fumes Formaldehyde Butane Body Tissue Preserver Cigarette lighter fluid Stearic Acid DDT Candle Wax Insecticides Contents of Cigarette Smoke

17. Controlling Asthma

18. Long-Term, Control Medications Decrease the inflammation/swelling Advair

19. Loosens your muscles & stops the wheezing Quick Relief Medications Albuterol for Nebulizer

20. Spacers

21. 1998, Respironics Inc. • 1998, Respironics Inc. Without Spacer With Spacer

22. Why Control Asthma? M. Zacharisen

23. 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.

24. Sudden, severe exacerbations Intubation Admission to ICU > 2 hospitalizations in the past year 3 or more ED visits in the last year Hosp/ED visit in the last month Oral corticosteroids > 2 canisters per month of quick relief Poor perception of asthma symptoms Psychiatric/psychosocial problems Low socioeconomic status/urban living Alternaria (mold) sensitivity Illicit drug use Risk of Death

25. Mucus Plug

26. 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.

27. Asthma Diaries • Diaries help track • Asthma symptoms • Use of medicines • Peak flow numbers • Triggers you’ve been in contact with • Diaries improve communication with your doctor

28. Peak Flow Meter Gives information on how lungs are working

29. REMEMBER To prevent & control an asthma episode: • Develop & follow an asthma care plan. • Plan ways to reduce the child’s contact with triggers. • Treat symptoms early. • Be prepared for any changes in symptoms. • Know when a doctor’s help is needed & get help right away. • Flare-ups DO NOT have to be a crisis!

30. Thanks!