Asthma
as possible, and to confi rm that he’s using it correctly. The asthma action plan outlines
the basic steps that help prevent exercise from triggering asthma. • You may be prescribed a quick-relief or rescue bronchodilator, known as albuterol. Albuterol most commonly comes as a metered-dose Inhaler (MDI), which many kids refer to as their puffer or pump. Here are the most important things to remember about using an albuterol MDI for exercise. — All MDIs work better with a
spacing device. This device is a valve tube that you puff the medicine into, and then inhale it, so the medication enters your lungs with normal respira- tions. Medication administered without a spacing device ends up in the mouth and the back of the throat, becoming a wasted dose. — You may need to use an
utes before and after an activity helps get your lungs adjusted. • Cold air is the most common trigger for
exercise-induced asthma. Breathing through a scarf or
mask helps warm the air a little before it gets into the lungs. Breathing in through your nose also helps warm the air before it gets to your lungs. • If seasonal pollen
is one of your triggers,
you may need to adjust your schedule based on local pollen counts or adjust your medication
per your asthma action plan. Children shouldn’t have to stop
playing a musical instrument, stop
albuterol MDI before all strenu- ous activities, or just before the ones that tend to cause symptoms. In either case, albuterol should be taken at least 15 minutes before starting the activity to prevent the symptoms while exercising. Two puffs of al- buterol should last three to four hours, enough to cover most sporting events and activities. — Make sure that the MDI is available
during the sporting event. Your asthma action plan may include repeating a dose of albuterol if necessary. • Warm-up and cool-down exercises 15 min-
30
Together you and your provider can keep your child active and healthy
dancing or stop participating in a sport or any other activity because of asthma. Regular exercise is good for all kids and can actu- ally help with asthma control. Your provider has the science
to diagnose and treat asthma, and you know your child and family best. Together you can help your child stay active and healthy.
Michael Corjulo, APRN, CPNP, AE-C, is a primary care provider with Children’s Medical Group in Hamden, CT, and Health Coordinator for the ACES school system in the greater New Haven area. He is the President-Elect of the Associa- tion of School Nurses of CT and Co-Chair of the CT Asthma Advisory Council.
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