asthma janet blair. healthy start in child care. asthma facts chronic problem that usually lasts a...
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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