Tuesday, May 6, 2014

1. Tuesday, May 6, 2014 • World Asthma Day is an annual awareness-raising event organized and sponsored by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA). For more information please visit http://www.ginasthma.org/World-Asthma-Day.

2. World Asthma Day, 2014 • Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways • Asthma is a SERIOUS disease that can’t be cured but can be CONTROLLED

3. World Asthma Day, 2014 • Asthma is common – but it is Under-recognized and Under-treated • A child who gets colds w/ coughs that tend to linger • A child who has to limit her activities because of shortness of breath or coughing during or after exercise • A child without cold symptoms who coughs at night

4. World Asthma Day, 2014 • How do I know if my child’s asthma is “controlled”? • Kids w/asthma should be able to live a healthy life and participate in all activities • The goals of asthma treatment include: • No missed school days because of symptoms • No missed gym classes or recess • No ER visits or hospitalizations • Minimal unplanned office visits • The ability to participate fully in all activities except during an acute exacerbation

5. World Asthma Day, 2014 • If your child has asthma, be sure she has her quick relief inhaler and spacer w/ her at all times – especially for any trips, hikes, sports, exercise or sleepovers • Even kids who have been symptom-free for months or years can experience a sudden asthma attack

6. World Asthma Day, 2014 • Asthma Control-The “Rule of Two’s”: • If your child with asthma is: • Coughing at night> 1-2 times/month or • Needing albuterol or other rescue inhaler> 2 times/week or • Has a cough that lingers for > 2 weeks ->-> She needs to see her physician to discuss the possibility that her asthma is under treated.