ASTHMA
PROBLEM
Asthma is a chronic condition with wheezing, coughing, breathlessness, and chest tightness.
CAUSE
The most common cause is inflammation that results from exercise or exposure to environmental irritants, allergens, furry animals, cockroaches, dust mites, pollens and molds, cold air, or viral respiratory infections.
PREVENTION
A.You have asthma and so are encouraged to get the flu vaccine every year.
B.Always keep your quick relief (rescue) inhaler with you.
C.Asthma is more difficult to control in obesity. Weight reduction, even 5% to 10% weight loss, can improve asthma control.
D.You may be able to prevent frequent recurrences of asthma by following these asthma trigger avoidance strategies:
1.Dust mite allergens: Wash bedding weekly in hot water and dry it in a hot dryer. Encase pillows and mattresses in airtight covers. Remove carpets, especially from your bedroom. Avoid use of fabric-covered furniture, especially for sleeping.
2.Cockroach allergens: Clean your house thoroughly. Use poison bait or traps. Do not leave food or garbage exposed.
3.Animal fur allergens: Avoid keeping house pets, or at least do not allow them in sleeping areas.
4.Smoke allergens: Avoid smoking, contact with tobacco smoke, smoke from wood-burning stoves or fireplaces, and unvented stoves or heaters.
5.Outdoor pollens and molds: Keep windows closed when pollen or mold counts are high.
6.Indoor mold: Reduce dampness in your home by using a dehumidifier. Clean damp areas often. Remove carpets that are laid on concrete.
7.Other irritants: Avoid perfumes, cleaning agents, and sprays.
TREATMENT PLAN
You should also be given the Patient Teaching Guides Asthma Action Plan and Peak Flow Monitoring
and How to Use a Metered-Dose Inhaler.
Activity:
A.If cold air causes symptoms, wear a scarf over your mouth and nose if you must go outside during the winter.
B.Avoid vigorous exercise if this causes asthma symptoms. Learn to recognize activities that trigger your breathing problems.
C.Make an asthma action plan to follow. Copy the plan and place it on the refrigerator, take a copy of your action plan to school, and give each coach a copy of your asthma action plan.
D.Color code your inhalers with tape or markers; for example, use green tape for quick relief inhalers and blue tape for long-acting inhalers.
Diet: There are no diet restrictions unless you have found a food that causes an allergic reaction and trouble with breathing.
Medications: Cough medicines should not be used for asthma symptoms.
You Have Been Prescribed: ___________________________________________________________
You Need to Take: ___________________________________________________________
You Need to Notify the Office If You Have:
A.A peak flow reading below 60% of your personal best number that doesn’t return to the yellow or green zone after taking your medication.
B.Other: ___________________________________________________________
Phone: ____________________________
RESOURCE
A Patient’s Guide to Aerosol Drug Delivery is available at http://www.copd-alert.com/AerosolDrug.pdf
PATIENT TEACHING GUIDE