Long Beach Alliance for Children with Asthma We CAN C ontrol A sthma N ow

1. Long Beach Alliance for Children with Asthma We CAN Control Asthma Now

2. Asthma: The Reality • Over 17 million in the United States, with 5 million youth • 2.3 million in California, with a projected 15% prevalence rate in Long Beach • Asthma prevalence and mortality (death) rates have been increasing, especially 5-14 years old • Affects populations of all ages and SES • Low income and minority populations have the highest asthma morbidity (burden of disease)

3. The Long Beach Alliance for Children With Asthma • Vision: The Long Beach Alliance for Children with Asthma is a partnership to improve the lives of children with asthma in our community • One of 7 sites awarded grants under the RWJ Foundation’s Allies Against Asthma program and one of 12 sites awarded grants under CA Endowment’s Community Action to Fight Asthma (CAFA) program • Focus is on 90813 and Long Beach as a whole

4. What is Asthma? • A chronic (long-term) disorder of the airways, in which the airways become blocked or narrowed • A condition that causes breathing problems, called attacks or episodes • Its direct cause is unknown-genetics vs. environment? • It can be life threatening

5. Pathology of Asthma • Airways are the passages that carry air to the lungs. They become smaller and smaller, like branches of a tree. • Asymptomatic vs. Symptomatic

6. What isHappening…

7. Signs and Symptoms • Coughing- day, night, or with exercise • Trouble Breathing • Wheezing (whistling noise) • Tightness in Chest • Trouble Sleeping/ Waking at night • Drop in Peak Flow Meter • Irritability

8. Triggers • Smoke & Strong Odors • Pets • Mold • Dust, Dust mites • Pollen (grass, trees, plants, & weeds) • Pests (cockroaches or rodents) • Certain Foods • Infections (flu and colds) • Exercise • Changes in Weather • Strong Emotions • Pollution • Some medications (aspirin)

9. Trigger Pictures

10. Quick Relief (bronchodilator) Open the airways fast to stop an Asthma attack Short acting- up to 4 hours Some use before exercise or exposure to trigger Albuterol Long-Term-Control (anti-inflammatory) Decreases swelling and mucus production Must be taken daily, long-acting Flovent, Azmacort, Pulmicort, Vanceril, Advair, Serevent, Singulair, and Intal May take up to 2 weeks to work Medications

11. Asthma Devices • Inhaler • Spacer, with and without a mask • Nebulizer • Diskus • Peak Flow Meter • Asthma Diary • Asthma Action Plan

12. Signs of an Asthma Emergency Persistent or worsening asthma signs or symptoms • Extreme difficulty breathing and talking • Uncontrolled cough • Severe chest tightness • Can’t talk, walk, or move well • Lips or fingernails turn blue ACT NOW!!!

13. What to do in an Asthma Emergency • Do not leave the child alone • Calm the child down • Seat the child upright • Administer the Quick Relief or Rescue Medication (Albuterol) immediately and follow the child’s Asthma Action Plan • If asthma signs do not improve immediately call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room • If necessary, repeat Albuterol • If necessary, administer CPR

14. Tips for the School,Childcare, & After school Setting • ASK students and parents about their asthma and medication • Plan for responding to an asthma emergency • Plan for accessing medication - have appropriate medication, spacer, and plan available to child and personnel • Clean spills promptly (carpets need to be cleaned properly and dried within 24 hours to prevent mold growth) • Keep room clean and clutter-free

15. Tips for the School, Childcare, & After school Setting • Keep room dusted, vacuum thoroughly and regularly • Do not use carpet mats or stuffed pillows • Remove trash daily • Do not keep food in room overnight • Keep setting free from furry or feathered animals • Keep room free from pests • Keep room free of the use of scented cleaners

16. Tips for the School,Childcare, & After school Setting • No perfume • Least toxic pest management and landscaping • Low allergen plants, trees and flowers • Keep exposure to furry or feathered animals to a minimum, clean cages regularly, consider outdoor pets, and consider children in the classroom with identified allergens • Do not locate animals near ventilation system vents

17. Tips for the School,Childcare, & After school Setting • Do not block ventilation system vents • Limited outdoor activity on poor air quality days • Watch children while playing for symptoms and early signs of an asthma attack • Watch use (and overuse) of inhalers

18. The Long Beach Alliance for Children With Asthma What LBACA can do for you… • Referrals to • Asthma classes • Asthma Wellness Fairs • Asthma Resource Center • Community Health Worker home visiting program • Training • Educational Materials

19. The Long Beach Alliance for Children With Asthma Home Visiting Program- 3-5 home visits from a trained community health worker • Must have a Regular Doctor • Live in Long Beach • Age: under 18 • Uncontrolled asthma defined by: • Missed school days due to asthma • Emergency room visits for asthma • Hospitalization for asthma • Acute clinical or doctor’s office visits for asthma

20. Asthma Priorities 1.) Early Recognition of Asthma 2.) Proper and timely treatment 3.) Recognition of an asthma emergency 4.) Importance of children living, studying and playing in an asthma friendly environment 5.) Expectation that children with asthma can lead active lives 6.) Importance of a team approach to asthma management

21. The Faces of Asthma