Healthcare Update
Asthma An estimated 20
million people in the United States have asthma and, despite the
availability of treatments, it still remains poorly controlled! We all need
to work together to insure that the children here are in good control of
their asthma! Types of
Asthma Allergic (extrinsic) – Asthma symptoms triggered by an allergic reaction
that is characterized by airway obstruction and inflammation. Allergic
asthma is the most common form of asthma. Non-Allergic (intrinsic) – Asthma symptoms triggered by factors not
related to allergies. They can present the same way, but non-allergic
asthma is triggered by factors such as anxiety, stress, exercise, smoke,
cold/dry air, or other irritants. With non-allergic asthma, the immune
system is not involved. Early Warning Signs of Asthma A child may
exhibit one or more of the following signs at the beginning of an asthma
attack. ·
Coughing / Wheezing ·
Breathing faster
than usual ·
Stuffy or runny nose ·
Appears worried or
fearful ·
Unusually tired /
not wanting to play Emergency
Signs of Asthma The following are
indications of a severe asthma attack. You must follow emergency procedures
as outlined in the child’s Asthma Action Plan, if you observe any of the
following: ·
The child is
breathing hard and fast ·
Shortness of breath
/ Chest tightness ·
Flared nostrils /
Posturing ·
Accessory muscle
tugging in the neck/ribs ·
Coughing to the
point of vomiting ·
Inability to speak in
complete sentences ·
The child’s
lips/fingertips are turning blue ·
Any other
signs/symptoms as outlined in the Action Plan! If the child’s
condition does not improve within 15 minutes after administering the rescue
medication, then best practice dictates that 911 be activated. Please remember,
if anyone needs to use their rescue asthma medication more than 2 times in
one week, then their asthma is not in good control and they should be
evaluated! We will be
providing on-going asthma education throughout the year for teachers and
parents throughout the state. FYI - Asthma is
the leading cause of hospitalizations in children under the age of 15! Next month’s topic: Nutrition March is National Nutrition Month!
Volume 3, Issue 2 February
2010
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