Allergies /Asthma
testing or a breathing test (spirometry) with your provider, if you have not already done so.
4. Assess and Monitor Asthma Control There is no cure for asthma, but there are treat- ment options, and most kids can live normal lives. You can control your child’s asthma through regularly scheduled visits with your provider, making sure your child takes control- ler inhalers routinely, and following your child’s management plan. Between visits, keep a list of questions. At the provider visits, review the Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) numbers or spirometry results, and update your action plan as needed. Be sure to discuss possible allergies. Without controlling allergies, you may not be able to manage asthma with medications. Ask whether your child needs a referral to an allergist for co-management of allergies.
5. Schedule Follow-up Visits Establish a medical home, a place where your child goes for health care, including well visits, immunizations and illness care. Begin with an asthma visit. Your child will need regular follow- up care to review control and educational needs.
6. Control Environmental Exposure Without allergy control, it’s diffi cult to take charge of asthma. Allergens are a trigger for 70 percent of asthma patients. Your child’s specifi c allergens may be discovered through testing or being alert to the many irritants in his environment. Allergies may worsen in spring or fall with allergens from the windborne pollen of trees, grass or weeds. Some kids may suffer
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Allergies may worsen with windborne pollen from trees, grass and weeds
from year-round sensitivity to environmental irritants, secondhand cigarette smoke, and some foods. Common food allergens are eggs, milk, wheat, soy, nuts and shellfi sh. You must recognize and control triggers. Prob- lems in living conditions, such as substandard housing, plumbing or cigarette smoke, should be addressed. Educate yourself on allergies and asthma
in kids, and don’t hesitate to ask your provider about anything you don’t understand. It will take more than one visit to comprehend your child’s chronic condition. When you are equipped with this knowledge, you can begin to self-manage the problem and improve your family’s quality of life.
RESOURCES A Healthy Home for Everyone — the Guide for Families and Individuals; Asthma and Schools
www.cdc.gov/
How Asthma Friendly Is Your Childcare Setting?
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/lung/ asthma/
chc_chk.htm
Rhonda Hertwig, MSN, CPNP, AE-C, is a PNP at Pediatric Evening Clinic, Spartanburg, SC. She is an active member of NAPNAP Asthma and Allergy SIG.
www.readysetgrowmag.com
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