ASTHMABy: Candace Murphy

WHAT IS ASTHMA? Asthma is a chronic

disease. It affects the airways

and makes breathing difficult.

It causes an inflammation of the air passages and results in a narrowing of the airways that carry oxygen to the lungs.

The picture shows an inflamed air passage, asthmatic (left) and a normal air passage(right).

HOW ARE ASTHMA ATTACKS TRIGGERED?

AllergiesAirborne allergens

FoodSecond-hand

smokeRespiratory

InfectionsStress

Changes in temperature

Vigorous exercise

SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS

Characteristics of an Asthma attack include: Coughing, especially at

night. Wheezing. Shortness of breath. Chest tightness, pain,

or pressure. Difficulty breathing. Swelling and excess

mucus in the airways.

TREATMENT AND MEDICATION

Remove Triggers from environment if possible. Asthma medications

Asthma inhalers Steroids & other anti-inflammatory drugs

Bronchodilators: airway openers Asthma Nebulizer (breathing machine)

IN THE CLASSROOM Asthma affects millions of children. Affects boys twice as often as girls. Knowing if a child in your class is very important for many

reasons. To help prevent a child from having an attack by removing triggers

from the classroom. Being prepared to help the child if needed. Knowing what to do if a child in your class has an asthma attack. Knowing what medications children take for asthma and knowing

how it can affect them in the class room.

REFERENCES

"Asthma and Asthma Attacks Center: Symptoms, Causes, Tests, and Treatments." WebMD - Better information. Better health. Web. 26 Jan. 2010. <http://www.webmd.com/asthma/default.htm>.

Marotz, Lynn R. Heath, Safety, and Nutrition for the Young Child. 7th ed. NY: Delmar Cengage Learning, 2009. Print.