Asthma Information

During an asthma flare-up or attack, the airways in a child's lungs become more irritated and swollen, making breathing more difficult. While some flare-ups are mild, others can be life threatening, so it's important to deal with them right away

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:

Signs of an asthma flare-up include:

• Wheezing -Coughing
• Chest Tightness
• Shortness of Breath

Signs of a severe asthma flare-up may include:

• Trouble breathing even when sitting still
• Difficulty speaking without breathing
• Feeling tired or drowsy
• Blueness around the lips
• The areas below the child's ribs, between the ribs, and in the neck sink in with each attempt to inhale

WHAT TO DO:

If the child is having an asthma flare-up, be sure to follow his or her specific asthma treatment guidelines. Many doctors provide a detailed asthma action plan for their patients. Because each child's experience with asthma is different, each action plan will be too. Seek Emergency Medical Care or Call 911 if the Child:

• begins to show signs of a severe flare-up
• has a flare-up that enters the danger zone (red zone) of his or her action plan

THINK PREVENTION!!

Help prevent flare-ups by taking these steps:

• Encourage and help the child to avoid substances that you know trigger flare-ups.
• Make sure the child takes the controller medicine as directed by the doctor--even if the child is feeling better.
• Make sure the child gets a flu shot every year.
• Work with the child's doctor to follow an asthma action plan.
• Make sure the child never runs out of the prescribed medications.
• Ensure that the child takes the medications to school and on trips.

For more information, go to www.KidsHealth.org http://www.KidsHealth.org

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