Asthma Management in Children

How do people get asthma – many opinions, but researchers are undecided.

Types of asthma:

            Intermittent, mild persistent, moderate persistent, severe persistent

Asthma Attack: airways become swollen, clogged, or restricted, linings inflamed; easier to get air in that get it out.

Most common things that cause an attack:

            Triggers

            Allergens

            Irritants

            Secondhand smoke

            Respiratory infections

            Stress

Things to do to help prevent an attack:

            Frequent hand washing

            Not sharing drinks or eating utensils

            Getting enough sleep

            Eating right

            Annual flu shot

Managing includes changes at home and in every day life and utilizing an asthma management plan developed with a physician.

Open Airways for Schools (OAW) can be taught by anyone after training and certification by the American Lung Association. The aim is for children to take care of their asthma on a daily bases and empower them to take control and make healthy choices. There are six 40 minute classes taught to 8 -11 year olds using a broad range of methods:

            Role play to rehearse new skills

            Storytelling to stimulate problem solving

            Games to practice decision making

Physical activities to learn how to control panicky feelings that often arise when asthma symptoms occur.

Goals of OAW:

            Have fewer and less severe asthma attacks

            Improve their academic performance

            Have more confidence in their ability to manage their asthma

            Exert greater influence on their parents asthma management decisions.