Building Family Relationships: Asthma Education

BUILDING FAMILY STRENGTHS

ASTHMA EDUCATION

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways. This inflammation causes recurrent episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness and coughing particularly at night or early in the morning. These episodes are usually related to widespread airway obstruction that is often reversible spontaneously or with treatment.

FACTS ABOUT ASTHMA

• Affects 4 to 5% of all American children
• The most common chronic disease of childhood
• Usually occurs between 3 and 8 years of age
• Occurs more frequently in male than females
• More common in African American and Hispanic families
• More than 5000 people die annually of asthma

WHAT CAUSES ASTHMA?

The exact cause is unkown. Possible causes are:

• VIRAL INFECTIONS- isolated viruses known as asthma triggers: parainfluenza, RSV, rhinovirus, influenza and coronavirus.
• GENETIC SUSPECTIBILITY- (Atopy) allergic to environmental agents such as house dust mites, animals proteins, fungi, pollen and animal dander.
• ENVIRONMENTAL- cold, dry air and quick temperature changes.
• FOOD ADDITIVES- sulfites.
• EMOTIONAL STRESS- both positive and negative stress.

FAMILY PREVENTION ACTIVITIES

• Avoid environmental allergens(pollen, pollution, cold air).
• Avoid cigarette smoke.
• Keep pets outside(pet dander).
• Control dust in home.
• Encourage exercise but avoid strenuous sports (possible trigger).
• Eat well balance meal and nutritious snacks.

Prepared by: E Juanita Lee, EdD, RN, FAAN and Deborah J. Thomason, EdD