Asthma Home Care
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, asthma affects more than one child in every 20 children, making it the most common chronic illness among kids. It is the third ranking cause for hospitalizations in children and is responsible for 14 million missed days in school. There is no cure for asthma, but with education and support, asthma can be controlled.
Asthma Basics
Asthma is a chronic disease. With asthma, breathing is sometimes difficult due to these changes in the lungs:
- Swelling of the lining in the airways
- Tightening of the muscles around the airways (a spasm)
- Extra mucus in the airways
It is important to learn about asthma and how to control it.
Asthma and Allergies
About 80 percent of children with asthma have allergies. They are particularly sensitive to triggers such as pollen, dust mites, pets, molds and foods. Asthma can also be triggered by changes in the weather, hormonal changes, emotional changes, medications or respiratory illnesses. Symptoms of asthma include shortness of breath, chest tightness, wheezing and coughing.
Allergy Treatment at Home
Children respond differently to irritants and to treatments, sometimes making disease management a challenge. The specialty pediatric nurses from Home Care at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center can assist families in managing their child's asthma. Our nurses spend time with you in your own home discussing your child's asthma triggers and teach ways to remedy them.
Our nurses will also review the medications and treatments prescribed by your family's physician and can help you with proper equipment technique with nebulizers, spacers, and peakflow meters. Because school is a large part of your child's day, our nurses may even visit the school to help coordinate your child's asthma management with the staff.
Contact Us
If you would like additional information about asthma management at home, please call us at 513-636-4663 (HOME).
