We CAN Control Asthma Now “Not affiliated with the YES WE CAN Asthma Program of San Francisco State University/ City College of San Francisco.”

Asthma: The Reality Over 17 million in the United States, with 5 million youth 2.3 million in California, with a projected 10% prevalence rate in Long Beach Asthma prevalence and mortality (death) rates have been increasing, especially 5-14 years old Affects populations of all ages and SES Low income and minority populations have the highest asthma morbidity (burden of disease)

The Long Beach Alliance for Children With Asthma Vision: The Long Beach Alliance for Children with Asthma is a partnership to improve the lives of children with asthma in our community One of 7 sites awarded grants under the RWJ Foundation’s Allies Against Asthma program and one of 12 sites awarded grants under CA Endowment’s Community Action to Fight Asthma (CAFA) program Focus is on and Long Beach as a whole

What is Asthma? A chronic (long-term) disorder of the airways, in which the airways become blocked or narrowed A condition that causes breathing problems, called attacks or episodes Its direct cause is unknown-genetics vs. environment? It can be life threatening

Pathology of Asthma Airways are the passages that carry air to the lungs. They become smaller and smaller, like branches of a tree. Asymptomatic vs. Symptomatic

What is Happening…

Signs and Symptoms  Coughing- day, night, or with exercise  Trouble Breathing  Wheezing (whistling noise)  Tightness in Chest  Trouble Sleeping/ Waking at night  Drop in Peak Flow Meter  Irritability

Triggers Smoke & Strong Odors Pets Mold Dust, Dust mites Pollen (grass, trees, plants, & weeds) Pests (cockroaches or rodents) Certain Foods Infections (flu and colds) Exercise Changes in Weather Strong Emotions Pollution Some medications (aspirin)

Trigger Pictures

Medications Quick Relief (bronchodilator) oOpen the airways fast to stop an Asthma attack oShort acting- up to 4 hours oSome use before exercise or exposure to trigger oAlbuterol Long-Term-Control (anti-inflammatory) oDecreases swelling and mucus production oMust be taken daily, long-acting oFlovent, Azmacort, Pulmicort, Vanceril, Advair, Serevent, Singulair, and Intal oMay take up to 2 weeks to work

Asthma Devices  Inhaler  Spacer, with and without a mask  Nebulizer  Diskus  Peak Flow Meter  Asthma Diary  Asthma Action Plan

Signs of an Asthma Emergency in Children  Persistent or worsening asthma signs or symptoms  Extreme difficulty breathing and talking  uncontrolled cough  severe chest tightness  can’t talk, walk or move well  lips or fingernails turn blue ACT NOW!!!

What to do in an Asthma Emergency Do not leave the child alone Calm the child Seat child upright Administer the Quick Relief or Rescue Medication (Albuterol) immediately and follow the child’s Asthma Action Plan If asthma signs do not improve immediately call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room

Working with your child’s asthma team Ask your doctor about any information that you are unsure of Take all medications as prescribed Follow your asthma action plan Go to all scheduled appointments and take medication and equipment Notify anyone who spends time with your child that she or he has asthma and what to do in an asthma emergency (babysitters, coaches, school nurse, camp counselors, and teachers)

Asthma Affected by Exercise Exercise Induced Asthma (EIA) = experiencing trouble breathing during or after exercise or some kind of physical activity EIA is the most common form of asthma and can be controlled Warm up for minutes, to increase your heart beat gradually Avoid exercising during cold or dry weather Finish with cool down exercise

Asthma Affected by Exercise Remember to take medicine at least 15 minutes before exercising Choose a sport/activity that fits within your Asthma management (e.g. swimming, biking, football) Avoid exercising on polluted or on smoggy days Coaches and P.E. teachers should be notified of child’s asthma and what to do in an emergency

We CAN Control Asthma Now ! Asthma 101 Not affiliated with the YES WE CAN Asthma Program of San Francisco State University/ City College of San Francisco.” The Long Beach Alliance for Children With Asthma

Developed by: ASTHMA ACTION AMERICA

Developed by Fight Asthma Milwaukee

Checklist for Asthma-Friendly School or After-School/Rec Programs Medical Issues ASK students and parents about their asthma and medication Plan for responding to an asthma emergency Plan for accessing medication - have appropriate medication, spacer, and plan available to child and personnel

Checklist for Asthma-Friendly School or After-School/Rec Programs Medical Issues Limit outdoor activity on poor air quality days Watch children while playing for symptoms and early signs of an asthma attack Watch use (and overuse) of inhalers

Checklist for Asthma- Friendly School or After- School/Rec Programs Environment Clean spills promptly (carpets need to be cleaned properly and dried within 24 hours to prevent mold growth) Keep room clean and clutter-free Keep room dusted, vacuum thoroughly and regularly Do not use carpet mats or stuffed pillows Remove trash daily

Checklist for Asthma-Friendly School or After-School/Rec Programs Environment Do not keep food in room overnight Keep setting free from furry or feathered animals Keep room free from pests Keep room free of the use of scented cleaners No perfume Least toxic pest management and landscaping

Checklist for Asthma-Friendly School or After-School/Rec Programs Environment Low allergen plants, trees and flowers Keep exposure to furry or feathered animals to a minimum, clean cages regularly, consider outdoor pets, and consider children in the classroom with identified allergens Do not locate animals near ventilation system vents Do not block ventilation system vents

The Faces of Asthma