Tips for Parents. I CAN control my asthma! Presented by the Community Pediatric Asthma Service January 2011

Transcription

1 Tips for Parents I CAN control my asthma! Presented by the Community Pediatric Asthma Service January 2011

2 Asthma Facts The most common chronic illness in children 10-15% of Canadian children have asthma Major cause of school absenteeism About 250 Canadians die each year from asthma 2

3 The Good News About Asthma Almost without exception, asthma can be treated and managed and need not interfere with any of the activities of daily life - working, learning, sleeping, playing, competitive sports, exercising 3

4 Back to School.. the September Spike September has the highest number of hospital admissions and doctor visits for asthma 17.7 days after school starts there is a significant increase in children with asthma flare ups Community Referral September 2008 Fall Spike April 2008 May 2008 June 2008 July 2008 Aug 2008 Sept 2008 Oct

5 Recognize Asthma Learn to recognize signs and symptoms of asthma Discuss your observations with your child s doctor 5

6 How Asthma Affects the Lungs Asthma makes breathing difficult and often results in coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and tightness in the chest. Here's what happens: inhaled triggers cause the lungs to over-react the airways in the lungs get inflamed and swollen mucous is produced and builds up in the airways swelling and mucous may block and narrow the airways sometimes, because of the swelling, the muscles around the airways tighten and squeeze the airways more 6

7 Asthma Responds to Trigger Exposure Avoid Triggers 7

8 Asthma Treatment: Preventer/Controller Medication To achieve good asthma control, controller medication is used daily even when symptoms are not present. Frequent asthma symptoms (more than twice a week) or night-time symptoms indicate swollen airways. Swollen airways are extra sensitive and will respond to muscle tightening triggers more readily than airways without swelling. 8

9 Asthma Treatment: Reliever Medication Some triggers cause tightening in the muscles around the airways. Reliever medication is used to relax these muscles. It should provide immediate relief of symptoms but is only temporary. This medication should only be used as needed. 9

10 Asthma Action Plan Every child with a diagnosis of asthma should have an Asthma Action Plan. An Action Plan shows how to adjust medications according to symptoms. Following an Action Plan helps to quickly regain control of asthma. Review the Action Plan with your child s physician or asthma educator regularly. 10

11 Recognize Poorly Controlled Asthma Low exercise endurance Reluctance to participate in gym class Using blue inhaler often Coughing after recess Tired in class poor sleep quality Absenteeism 11

12 Device Technique is Important Proper device technique will ensure medication reaches the lungs. It is more difficult then you may think to achieve good device technique. Practice, practice, practice. Check your technique with a health care professional at every asthma visit. Always use a spacer with a Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI) Puffer Check your devices: Empty? Expired? Broken? 12

13 Visit our website to watch animated demonstrations of proper device technique 13

14 Children and Exercise When asthma is well controlled children can: Play competitive sports Participate in school activities including physical education, recess, field trips and sports day Play as much as they want 14

15 Control asthma now! 15

16 How to Contact Us Community Pediatric Asthma Service South Calgary Health Centre (#2270) 31 Sunpark Plaza SE Calgary, AB T2X 3W5 Phone: (403) Fax: (403) Visit our website at: 16