Teaching Prevention of Asthma Exacerbation in Children

Overview

Asthma is an obstructive airway disease characterized by inflammation and bronchospasms (swelling and narrowing of the airways). Asthma is categorized as extrinsic (allergic) or intrinsic (non-allergic). According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) seven million children currently have asthma. There are about 10.6 million doctor visits take place annually due to asthma. Parents and caregivers need to understand signs and symptoms of asthma, potential triggers for asthma reactions and what steps to take in order to prevent exacerbations.

Step 1

Monitor for cough, shortness of breath with mild activity and wheezing (high pitched sounds on inspiration and/or expiration). Wheezing may not be present, so parents should be alert to other more insidious symptoms. These include anxiety, restlessness and use of accessory muscles for breathing, retractions (sucking in of chest wall with inspiration), increased use of asthma medications, and decreased appetite.

Step 2

Monitor peak flow. Good indicators of how well asthma is being managed are peak flow readings. If peak flow readings are 20 percent or less than a child's normal results, an asthma exacerbation is occurring.

Step 3

Seek medical consultation for children when flareups are moderate to severe. Peak flow readings with a 30-percent or greater drop from a child's average readings indicate moderate or worse asthma exacerbation.