Asthma A Presentation on Asthma Management and Prevention

What is Asthma?  Question #1 Symptoms of Asthma include: A. Wheezing B. Breathlessness C. Chest tightness D. Nighttime or early morning coughing E.All of the above Poll : Result :

What is Asthma?  Chronic disease of the airways that may cause  Wheezing  Breathlessness  Chest tightness  Nighttime or early morning coughing  Episodes are usually associated with widespread, but variable, airflow obstruction within the lung that is often reversible either spontaneously or with treatment.

Pathology of Asthma Source: “What You and Your Family Can Do About Asthma” by the Global Initiative For Asthma Created and funded by NIH/NHLBI, 1995 Normal Asthma Asthma involves inflammation of the airways

Asthma Prevalence in the United States National Center for Environmental Health Division of Environmental Hazards and Health Effects June 2014

Prevalence of Asthma?  Question #2 How many people in the US are affected with Asthma: A. 1 million B. 5 million C. 10 million D. 25 million E. 50 million Poll : Result:

Introduction Asthma:  affects 25.7 million people, including 7.0 million children under 18;  is a significant health and economic burden to patients, their families, and society:  In 2010, 1.8 million people visited an ED for asthma-related care and 439,000 people were hospitalized because of asthma

Total number of persons Percent Current Asthma Prevalence: United States, One in 12 people (about 26 million, or 8% of the U.S. population) had asthma in 2010, compared with 1 in 14 (about 20 million, or 7%) in Year

Risk Factors for Developing Asthma  Genetic characteristics  Occupational exposures  Environmental exposures

Prevalence of Asthma?  Question #3 Which of the following are triggers for asthma? A. Dust Mites B. Tobacco Smoke C. Cockroaches D. Mold E. All of the above Poll: Result:

Risk Factors for Developing Asthma: Genetic Characteristics Atopy  The body’s predisposition to develop an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE) in response to exposure to environmental allergens  Can be measured in the blood  Includes allergic rhinitis, asthma, hay fever, and eczema

Reducing Exposure to House Dust Mites  Use bedding encasements  Wash bed linens weekly  Avoid down fillings  Limit stuffed animals to those that can be washed  Reduce humidity level (between 30% and 50% relative humidity per EPR-3) Source: “What You and Your Family Can Do About Asthma” by the Global Initiative For Asthma Created and funded by NIH/NHLBI, 1995

Reducing Exposure to Environmental Tobacco Smoke Evidence suggests an association between environmental tobacco smoke exposure and exacerbations of asthma among school-aged, older children, and adults. Evidence shows an association between environmental tobacco smoke exposure and asthma development among pre-school aged children.

Reducing Exposure to Cockroaches Remove as many water and food sources as possible to avoid cockroaches.

Reducing Exposure to Pets  People who are allergic to pets should not have them in the house.  At a minimum, do not allow pets in the bedroom.

Reducing Exposure to Mold Eliminating mold and the moist conditions that permit mold growth may help prevent asthma exacerbations.

Other Asthma Triggers  Air pollution  Trees, grass, and weed pollen

Medications to Treat Asthma: Quick-Relief  Used in acute episodes  Generally short- acting beta 2 agonists

Medications to Treat Asthma: Nebulizer  Machine produces a mist of the medication  Used for small children or for severe asthma episodes  No evidence that it is more effective than an inhaler used with a spacer

Managing Asthma: Sample Asthma Action Plan Describes medicines to use and actions to take National Heart, Blood, and Lung Institute Expert Panel Report 3 (EPR 3): Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma. NIH Publication no , 2007.

Managing Asthma: Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) Meters  Allows patient to assess status of his/her asthma  Persons who use peak flow meters should do so frequently  Many physicians require for all severe patients

1. Management & Support Systems Family/Community Involvement Physical Education Nutrition Services Healthy School Environment Health Promotion For Staff Health Education Health Services Counseling, Psychological, and Social Services 4. Healthy School Environment 2. Health & Mental Health Services 3. Asthma Education 6. School, Family, & Community Efforts 5. Physical Education & Activity

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