asthma caring for children with asthma in a community program 2014-05-21
TRANSCRIPT
AsthmaCaring for children
with asthma in a community program
2014-05-21
Asthma• Airways that are
`hyperresponsive` to environmental factors
• Increased mucus production• Tightened airway muscles
Signs of Asthma
• Coughing• Wheezing• Chest tightness• Shortness of breath• Increase in breathing rate
Causes of Asthma
Genetics
Environment
Triggers of Asthma
Inflammatory • Respiratory
infections • Animal
dander• Dust mites• Mold• Pollens• Tobacco
smoke
Symptom • Cold, dry air• Smoke • Strong odors • Air pollution• Exercise• Emotions • Stress
Treatment of Asthma
Signs of good control – normal activity– normal sleep– no daytime asthma symptoms – no need for reliever medication– no emergency room visits – no absentees for asthma
Avoidance of Triggers
Some triggers are more common at certain times
• Cold and flu• Outdoor molds• Pollens • Exercise• Field trips
Avoidance Strategies• Paint, varnish and tar when
children not present • Keep windows closed during
pollen and mold seasons• Restrict pets with hair, fur, feathers• Clean equipment regularly to avoid
accumulation of dust• Prohibit smoking in the facility• Avoid wearing perfumed products• Choose cleaning solutions that do
not have a strong odor• Encourage children to wear a scarf
over their mouth when exercising outdoors in winter
Medications
Controllers Relievers
Controllers
• Also called ‘preventers’ or anti-inflammatory medication
• Control asthma by reducing airway swelling and mucus production
• Prevent or decrease asthma symptoms
• Most often taken at home
Relievers• Also call ‘bronchodilators’• Provide fast temporary relief from
asthma symptoms by relaxing muscles around the airways
• Should be with child for easy access
• May be used to prevent exercise induced asthma
• Blue coloring on cap
Medication Devices
Turbuhaler®Metered Dose Inhaler
Metered Dose Inhaler
1.Remove cap.2.Shake well.3.Have child breathe out as
completely as possible.4.Bring inhaler to child’s mouth.5.Push down on canister once as
child breathes in.6.Have child inhale slowly &
deeply.7.Replace cap.
Turbuhaler®1. Remove cap. Do NOT shake.2. Hold Turbuhaler® upright.3. Turn colored grip in one direction
and then back. 4. Have child breathe out. 5. Place Turbuhaler® mouthpiece
between the child’s lips and have the child quickly breathe in.
6. Remove Turbuhaler® from the child’s mouth and have child hold breath.
7. Have the child breathe out.8. Replace cap.
Spacer Devices
AeroChamber®1. Shake MDI and remove its cap.2. Remove AeroChamber® cap and
insert MDI.3. Place AeroChamber® in child’s
mouth.4. Have child breathe out.5. Push down once on MDI
canister.6. Have child inhale and hold
breath for 10 seconds OR breathe normally 5-6 times.
7. Replace caps.
AeroChamber® with Mask
1. Shake MDI and remove its cap.2. Insert MDI into AeroChamber®.3. Apply mask to child’s face.4. Have child breathe out.5. Push down once on canister.6. Have child inhale deeply and
hold OR breathe normally 5-6 times.
7. Replace cap.
• Asthma symptoms prevent the child from performing normal activities
• Frequent coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing
• Child is using reliever medication more than 3 times per week for symptoms or with exercise
When Asthma is Not Controlled
Inform parent/guardian.
When a Child has an Asthma Episode
1. Remove child from triggers.2. Have child sit down. 3. Ensure child takes reliever
medication. 4. Encourage slow deep breathing.5. Monitor child for improvement.
Emergency Situations
• Reliever medication has been given and there is no improvement of asthma symptoms in five minutes
• Greyish/bluish color in lips and nail beds
• Inability to speak in full sentences• Heaving of chest or chest sucking
inward• Shoulders held high, tight neck
muscles• Cannot stop coughing• Difficulty walking
Emergency Response Plan
1. Activate 911/EMS.2. Give reliever medication every five
minutes.3. Notify parent/guardian.4. Stay with child until EMS personnel
arrives.
Child specific information
• Name and location of reliever medication
• Type of medication device used
• Assistance required, if any
Health Care Plans are located in child file and binder