Asthma

1. Asthma Aimee Prideau EEC 4731 Spring 2011

2. 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

3. Facts about Asthma • There 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 girls • Most people with asthma have co-existing allergies • Poorly 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 quality • Permanent narrowing of the bronchial tubes (airway remodeling) may occur (http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/asthma/DS00021/DSECTION=complications)

4. Common Triggers • Airborne allergens (pollen, mold, dander, etc) • Air pollution/ Chemical irritants • Respiratory infections • Temperature changes • Food allergies (wheat, milk, nuts, etc) • Certain medications (i.e. aspirin, NSAID’s, beta blockers) • High humidity • Sulfites and preservatives in food • Physical activity (exercise induced asthma) • Stress and strong emotions (especially anger)

5. Symptoms of Asthma • Wheezing • Coughing • Chest tightness • Shortness of breath • Difficulty breathing (especially exhaling) Asthma changes over time and may fluctuate in severity, from mild to life threatening 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

6. 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 occurs • If 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!

7. Living with Asthma- Managing the Condition - 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 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)

8. In the Classroom • Keep 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

9. Helpful Teaching Modifications • Eliminate any known or probable triggers in the classroom ( Thorough cleaning and careful consideration of materials are essential) • Encourage aerobic activities but avoid overexertion • Empower children to take an active role in managing their condition • Provide 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

10. Works Cited • Marotz, 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