What is asthma Asthma is a chronic lung

What is asthma ? • Asthma is a chronic lung disease. • Asthma is the swelling of the airways in the lungs. • The muscles around the airways get tight and make it hard for air to exchange. • Mucous builds up in the airway and clogs them.

What are the warning signs of asthma for Jack ? � A cough �A wheeze �A “ funny feeling” in the chest �Some trouble Breathing

What should you do when Jack has Asthma? �Give Jack Rescue Medication �Metered dose inhaler �Dry powder inhalers. �Nebulizer

Treatments �A nebulizer is an electrically powered machine that turns liquid medication into a mist so that it can be breathed directly into the lungs through a face mask or mouthpiece. People with asthma can use a nebulizer to take their medications.

Rescue Meds �Inhalers are portable handheld devices that deliver medication - in a form that the person breathes in directly to the lungs, unlike a pill or liquid that's swallowed. There are two kinds of inhalers: metered dose inhalers (MDIs), also known as puffers, which deliver the medicine in a mist or spray form, and dry powder inhalers (DPIs), which deliver the medicine in a fine powder form.

Asthma Action Plan Tool important � An action plan may be the single most thing you can do to keep your child's asthma under control. Carefully track your child's lung function and symptoms, and make medication changes as soon as they're needed. If you act quickly, your child is less likely to have a severe attack and you won't need as much medication to control asthma symptoms. �http: //kidshealth. org/misc/movie/cc/howasthmawww. health. state. ny. us/diseases/asthma/pdf/4851. pdf Similar-affects. html

Test to diagnosed and monitor Asthma �Lung function (spirometry) tests measure how quickly and how much air your child can exhale. � Peak flow meter to check peak expiratory flow. �Breath test that measures nitric oxide levels.

Control Jack’s triggers �Colds or other respiratory infections, a common cause of asthma attacks in children �Allergens such as dust mites or pollen �Exercise( if exercise –induced use inhaler before exercise) �Cold weather �Cigarette smoke and other irritants in the air �Beware of bugs (Roaches) �Avoid molds/feathers

Long term control meds �Inhaled corticosteroids �Leukotriene modifiers �Combination inhalers �Cromolyn �Theophylline �Even if your child is feeling fine , stay on your prescribed medication.