asthma > breathing-through-a-straw

can do to ensure the asthmatic leads a normal, healthy life. It is important for the patient to eat right, exercise and get enough rest. The patient and his/her family should know what triggers an attack and how to avoid contact with those particular substances or conditions. Learning how to do peak-flow readings (a measurement of how effectively air moves out of the lungs) will help them identify the potential onset of an asthma flare.

They should also know the warning signs of an asthma episode, so that treatment can begin quickly. The patient should also know the proper dosages of the correct, prescribed medication and how to properly administer that medication. Shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, coughing and wheezing are typical symptoms of asthma. If the patient exhibits asthma warning signs, he/she should:

Begin treatment early.
Reduce exposure to known triggers.
Follow his/her doctor's orders for the dose and frequency of medication.
Rest, monitor the treatment and allow it to work.

Seek emergency care at the closest ER if, after medication has had time to work:

Wheezing, coughing or shortness of breath gets worse.
Patient is hunched over, struggling for breath.
The patient's chest and neck muscles are sucked in when attempting to breathe.
The patient cannot speak between breaths.
Peak flow doesn't change after using bronchodilator medication.
Lips or fingernails turn gray or blue.

According to the clinical practice guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the goals of treatment for the pediatric patient are simple:

Sleep: prevent chronic coughing, asthma symptoms and asthma exacerbations during the day and night.
Learn: eliminate missed school days.
Play: maintain normal activity levels.

Although there is no cure for asthma, its symptoms can be controlled with the help of a doctor and a manageable treatment plan.

(published with permission in writing from:http://www.armymedicine.army.mil)