Asthma: (say: az-muh) is a condition that affects a person's airways.
What happens during an Asthma Flare-up?
Asthma Flare-up Triggers:
People with asthma have a chronic problem with their airways (the breathing tubes in their lungs). Because of asthma, the tubes are swollen and full of mucus. This problem is made worse by things like animal dander, exercise, or smoke.
Triggers are substances, weather conditions, or activities that are harmless to most people. But in people with asthma, they can lead to coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Triggers don't actually cause asthma - no one knows exactly what does. But triggers can lead to asthma symptoms and flare-ups.
Asthma Treatment:
1. Quick-Relief Medicine (a.k.a. rescue inhaler)
This medicine immediately loosens the muscles around the airways. That opens up the airways and makes it easier to breathe. Quick-relief medicines are important during a flare-up because they help you breathe more easily right away. If your doctor has prescribed quick-relief medicine you should always have it with you. Please bring this medication every day to school.
Remember quick-relief medicines wear off quickly after you take them. And they don't do anything to help prevent a flare-up from happening in the first place.
2. Long-Term Control Medicines
Long-term control medicines work over a long period of time to help heal the airways and prevent asthma symptoms. Long-term control medicines are particularly important to take regularly, even if you're feeling fine. Taken properly, they'll decrease the number of flare-ups you have. Take long-term control medication everyday, as ordered by your physician, to prevent asthma flare-ups.
Asthma Action Plan
Please have your Asthma Action Plan completed for this school year.
An Asthma Action Plan is a simple tool to help the school nurse assist you in managing your asthma based on your symptoms.
Asthma symptoms can flare up during the school day! Please make sure your child has his/her quick acting medication in case of an Asthma Flare Up.