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 803-259-7337

 Asthma:

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic or long-standing inflammation of the airways and a tendency or habit of the airways to narrow and produce mucus in response to triggers such as tobacco smoke (even in clothing), dust mites, pollen, animal dander, cold air, exercise, dust, molds, cockroaches, strong odors, and upper respiratory infections.

What are the symptoms of asthma?

  • Difficulty breathing
  • "Feeling tight" in the lungs or chest
  • Wheezing, which can be loud enough to be heard from across a room, but often may be heard only through a stethoscope
  • Other symptoms include cough and rapid breathing. These symptoms may be mild for some people, and very severe for others

    • Treatment - All treatment plans should be discussed with our office as they are individually tailored for your child.

    The first step is to avoid triggers (in increasing order of severity):

  • Avoid environmental triggers (smoke, pollen, dust, etc).
  • Wash hands after coming into contact with animals.
  • Keep stuffed animals away from the bed.
  • Launder sheets every week in hot water.
  • Use plastic mattress and pillow covers for severe reactions from dust mites.
  • Remove carpeting from the bedroom.
  • Use HEPA air filtering units.
  • Change to non forced-air heating or place filters over heating ducts.

    • The second step is to take medications prescribed by our office. Medication is geared towards treating two different problems: the sudden narrowing of the airways and the chronic inflammation of the airways.

    Bronchodilators treat airway narrowing when an asthma attack happens.

  • Albuterol (Ventolin®, Proventil®)
  • Ipratropium (Atrovent®)

    • Anti-inflammatories prevent inflammation and should be taken every day.

  • Cromolyn sodium (Intal®)
  • Steroids (Beclovent®, Aerobid®, etc.)

    • Medication delivery

  • Inhaler with spacer
  • Nebulizer

    • The third step is to make sure that all caregivers are aware of your child's asthma and know about the warning signs and medications available.

    The fourth step is to follow the asthma action plan.

    Use a peak flow meter daily to measure your lung performance.

    To determine your green, yellow, and red zones, please refer to the asthma action plan page.

    If you are using cromolyn or steroids, be sure to use them EVERY DAY as directed.

    Warning signs - Call our office for advice if:

    Your child has difficulty breathing to the extent that his skin seems to be sucked in between the ribs or the throat, retractions, call our office now.

    Your child's skin or lips appear blue, cyanosis, call our office now.

    Your child is abnormally drowsy or unable to speak, call our office now.

    Your child has to use inhalers three or more times in one day, call our office now.

    Your child's peak flow is in the red zone of the asthma action plan, call our office now.

    Your child's peak flow remains in the yellow zone of the asthma action plan despite treatment of narrow airways with bronchodilators, call our office now.

    Your child develops a fever, please refer to the fever page.

    You have any questions or concerns, or have any doubts about the severity of your child's symptoms, call our office now.

    It is helpful whenever you visit your doctor or hospital to bring all of your medications with you. Although your medications are listed in your chart, the chart is not always available, especially for an urgent visit!