Asthma
Airway Narrowing
Links
Prevention
Asthma Action Plan
Medications
Spacers
Asthma Diary
Normal Anatomy
Triggers
Controlling Asthma
Peak Flow Meter
Using Inhalers
What is
Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic, reversible disease in which the airways become constricted (narrowed) or blocked, causing chest tightness, shortness of breath and cough. Also called “reactive airway disease,” asthma typically occurs in episodes, following exposure to “triggers,” such as exercise, cold, or substances in the air. Chronic narrowing of airways can affect the ability of the lungs to exchange oxygen. Episodes of asthma can be minimized by treating promptly with medications taken as directed.
Anatomy of the normal chest and air passages
When the airways come into contact with an asthma trigger, the tissue inside the bronchi and bronchioles (the air tubes) becomes inflamed and swollen. At the same time, the muscles on the outside of the airways tighten, causing them to narrow. A thick fluid (mucus) increases in the airways. The narrowed airway is responsible for the difficulty in breathing with the familiar “wheeze.” See picture below. Return to top of page
Asthma causes more school absences than any other chronic disease of childhood. When asthma is not well controlled, it can severely disrupt the activities of the children and families affected by it. In severe cases it can lead to death. Asthma can be managed at home by getting to know the specifics of your child’s asthma. Developing a comprehensive treatment plan will allow your child to live a fully active life.
Studies indicate that many children with asthma improve by adolescence
and adulthood. Asthma
can be well-controlled with a comprehensive treatment plan.
What
causes an asthma episode?
Asthma
Triggers
Episodes of asthma are brought on by "triggers" in the environment. These triggers vary from person to person. Common triggers include cold air, exercise, allergens (things that cause allergies) such as dust mites, mold, pollen, animal dander, and tobacco smoke. At times, viral infections including colds or bronchitis can bring on an episode of asthma
In
children, viral respiratory infections, such as colds and bronchitis are
the most common triggers of an episode. Exercise, especially in cold air
can trigger an episode. Irritants,
including dust, cigarette smoke, perfumes and chemicals are also triggers.
Significant triggers, in up to ten percent of children, include house
dust, pollens, molds, animal dander and some foods.
Strong emotions such as yelling, crying, screaming or laughing may
provoke or aggravate an episode. The
best way to learn your child’s triggers is to keep a careful record of
his/her activities before and during an asthma episode.
Since your child spends more time in the bedroom than any other room, trigger reduction should be concentrated there. The severity of your child’s asthma will direct the changes that you need to make in your environment. Return to top of page
Asthma
is considered “controlled” when both the frequency and severity of the
child’s episodes are minimized and he/she can participate in normal
activities.
When
these measures are not enough, it may be necessary to begin use of one of
the many medications that are available to control symptoms.
Asthma
medications can provide quick relief to control immediate symptoms
of an asthma episode or long-term relief, which lessens the
frequency or severity of the episodes over time. Like all medications,
asthma treatments may have side effects. These are usually mild and go
away on their own. Be sure to ask your doctor to describe possible side
effects of the medications prescribed for your child and warning signs
should prompt you to contact him or her.
Asthma
Asthma
medications help reduce underlying inflammation in the airways and relieve
or prevent airway narrowing. Control of inflammation should reduce airway
sensitivity, leading to fewer episodes.
Two
classes of medications have been used to treat asthma: anti-inflammatory
agents and bronchodilators.
|
Anti-inflammatory Agents |
Bronchodilators |
|
L
Needed
for people who have |
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Used
during an episode to |
It
is important to use an inhaler correctly to maximize the benefit of the
medicine.
Shake
the inhaler well and remove the cap from the mouthpiece
Breathe
out and tilt your head back slightly
Position the inhaler as
in the picture and hold the mouthpiece 1-2 inches
from your
mouth
At the beginning of a slow (4-6
seconds), deep and even breath, push the top
of the metal canister to
allow the spray to be breathed into the lungs.
Take a complete breath
through the mouth.
Hold
your breath for 5-10 seconds after inhaling the medicine, then breathe out
slowly through your mouth with your lips pursed as though you were
whistling.
Cough after each inhalation; attempt to bring up mucus.
Wait one minute. Then, take the next inhalation as before.
Always make sure that the expiration date on your inhaler is current.
Using
Spacers with Inhalers
A
spacer is a holding chamber that attaches to an inhaler.
It holds the medicine in its chamber long enough to inhale
it in a deep breath. Not
everyone uses a spacer; you should speak with your doctor about whether a
spacer is right for your child.
A
peak flow meter is most helpful for people with moderate or severe asthma.
It is an instrument that measures how well air is moving through the
airways of the lungs. Having your child use it regularly can tell you how
well your child is breathing Your healthcare provider may recommend that
you use a peak flow meter to monitor changes in your child’s
airflow. He/she can use that information to determine what actions to take
when your child experiences a change in airflow. These actions become part
of the Asthma Action Plan.
An
Asthma Action Plan is a plan designed by your healthcare provider to
assure that you and those who are with your child during the day know what
to do when your child experiences an episode of asthma. Ask your doctor for a copy of the
plan to keep at home as well as at school .
Use of this plan ensures that all participants in your child’s care have
the same information in a user friendly way.
Keeping
an Asthma Diary
Keeping
a daily diary of your child’s activities and asthma episodes will help
identify specific environments and triggers that affect the severity and
frequency of the episodes. Bring the diary to healthcare provider visits
to assist in developing an asthma action plan.
Tips
on Preventing Your Child’s Asthma Episodes
Learn what triggers your child’s
asthma.
triggers.
Talk with your healthcare provider
about any problems with medications.
Use a
peak flow meter every day to
note your child’s progress.
sees him/herself as having some control
over the asthma episodes.
Return to top of page
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's Informational Packet, “Controlling Your Asthma
Public education material,
including info on pollen and mold counts, from the American
Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology.
American Academy of Pediatrics new Guide
to Your Child’s Allergies and Asthma
American
Lung Association Page on Asthma
