| Despite the fact that asthma is quite common, many | | | | Consider minimizing carpets, curtains and bed coverlets |
| are still anxious about finding ways to effectively cope | | | | which collect dust. |
| when an asthmatic attack occurs. The key to peace | | | | 4. Provide Assistance in Monitoring Condition |
| of mind is being prepared for possible attacks. Here | | | | Many asthma victims are young children. Parents play |
| are five basic steps to help alleviate your stress. Your | | | | an important role in monitoring the child's condition, |
| physician may have additional ones. | | | | recognizing early signs and quickly controlling |
| 1. Establish an Asthma Action Plan | | | | symptoms. |
| Provide action when needed by using asthma action | | | | One way to do this is with a device known as peak |
| plan and post it on the refrigerator door, so everyone | | | | flow meter. If your doctor follows this protocol, the |
| will know exactly what to do at the next attack. | | | | device can assess your child's best breathing against |
| An asthma action plan: | | | | his current state to know if medication and a call to the |
| Is a Easy-to-Follow diagram of steps to follow in event | | | | doctor is needed. |
| of an attack. | | | | 5. Maintain a Healthy Well-being |
| Is a written outline of all important facts about the | | | | People with this condition must make the effort to |
| patient's history. | | | | remain healthy in body and maintain stable emotions |
| Details the medications prescribed for the patient, and | | | | (events leading up to an attack) by focusing on planed |
| when to take them. | | | | tasks. |
| Without an action plan everyone's emotions take over | | | | Healthy diet, moderate regular exercise (unless |
| and mistakes are made which can be harmful or | | | | symptoms exist or triggers are present), normal body |
| cause delay in getting help. | | | | weight and positive self image are very helpful to |
| 2. Keep Emergency Medications in a Common | | | | staying well. |
| Location | | | | Children take cues from parents on their health and |
| However, most doctors suggest using "rescue | | | | self-image, see them as abnormal or sickly and they |
| inhalers" (such medications as Proventil(TM) or | | | | will be. |
| albuterol©) because they provide immediate relief | | | | Contact your local American Lung Association to see |
| during an attack. | | | | if your child can be involved in education and play |
| 3. Identify Asthma Triggers and Reduce Them | | | | activities with other asthmatic children, especially an |
| An asthma attack is often triggered by environmental | | | | Asthma Camp in the summer. Nothing says "normal" |
| factors. Prevention is essential. | | | | like playing with other kids just like you. |
| Keep the indoor environment free of triggers (smoke, | | | | Contact your local hospital's respiratory therapy |
| cooking odors, pollen dust, mold, pet dander, etc.). | | | | department about meeting with the Asthma Educator |
| Use HEPA filters in air cleaners and vacuum cleaners | | | | for more information and helpful advice. |
| to remove airborne factors. | | | | |