What is Asthma? Asthma causes inflammation (swelling) in your airways. The swelling causes more mucus to build up and makes the airways more narrow. Narrow airways and more mucus can make it hard to breathe. During an attack, the airways called bronchioles (brong-kee-ohlz) also get tight (constrict). This can make it even harder to breathe. If the attack is severe, you could go to the hospital or even die.
What You Should Know
Have a Plan!
What is asthma? How do I take my medicine? How do I treat and prevent asthma attacks?
Symptoms of Asthma Attack Can’t catch breath Coughing Wheezing (highpitched breath sounds) Chest feels tight Peak flow yellow or red
Reproduced from: National Heart, Blood, and Lung Institute Expert Panel Report 3 (EPR 3): Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma. NIH Publication no. 08-4051, 2007.
Activity #4: Health and Wellness Pamphlet Jennifer Graham School of Nursing, California State University at San Marcos NURS 370: Health Promotion and Patient Education Strategies Dr. Monica Sprague March 1, 2020
` What Do I Do When I’m Having an Attack?
Sit down and rest Use your “rescue” inhaler o You may need to use a spacer
Have your doctor help you fill out your Action Plan so you know what inhaler to use ahead of time!
How Do I Take My Medicine? You may have pills to take every day. Make sure you take your “rescue inhaler” everywhere you go! You may also have “longacting” inhalers to prevent attacks. Follow your doctor’s instructions on your Action Plan Don’t skip doses Make sure you don’t run out of medication o Remind your parents when you’re running low! Inhaler Types
If your inhaler doesn’t help or it’s getting harder to breathe, CALL FOR HELP!
What Causes Attacks? Triggers are different for everybody
Infections (cold & flu) Allergies Chemicals Cold air Stress Exercise Medications Pollution Smoke Odors
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How Do I Prevent A Severe Attack? Know your Triggers (and avoid them)! Keep a diary of attacks
How Do I Prevent A Severe Attack? Take Your Medicine! Avoid Getting Sick! Get your flu shot Wash your hands o Before eating o After using the bathroom o Before touching your face Stay away from sick people Don’t chew on pens or other objects
o What were you doing before the attack? o Where were you? o Was the air cold? o Were you allergic to anything? o Did you take a new medication? o Was somebody smoking nearby? o Were there any chemicals or odors? o Were you feeling stressed?
Any of these could be triggers for you If you can’t avoid triggers, use your inhaler before exposure
Keep Calm, Don’t Smoke, and Stay Healthy!
References Apter, A. A. (2019, April 22). Asthma education and self-management. (B. S. Bochner, R. A. Wood, & H. Hollingsworth, Editors) Retrieved February 2020, from www.uptodate.com: https://www.uptodate.com/contents/asth ma-education-and-selfmanagement/print?search=asthma&sourc e=search_result&selectedTitle=23~150&us