Asthma

Common Illnesses
Contagious Diseases
Lifelong Health Issues

Asthma

Allergies

Diabetes

Unavoidable Conditions
Why Kids Get Sick So Often
When To Call The Doctor
When To Send Your Child to Daycare
Safe Use of Antibiotics

Asthma

Asthma is a chronic health condition that occurs when a person's lungs overreact to irritants by becoming inflamed and obstructed, making breathing difficult.

During an asthma attack, the lungs can't draw in enough fresh air to meet the body's need for oxygen. When a person with asthma breathes in an irritant like smoke, perfume, or pollen, the linings of the airways become swollen and the airways themselves become narrow and full of mucus.

Asthma attacks can strike without warning, and can last for just a few minutes or can go on for many days. There are medications that can help clear the airways and allow the person with asthma to get the oxygen they need to stay healthy.

Common symptoms of asthma include:

Shortness of breath when exercising or exerting yourself

A high-pitched whistling sound when breathing

A cough that goes on for more than ten days

Tightness in your chest

Frequent respiratory infections that last for more than two weeks

If you think your child may have asthma, it is important to see your family physician. Although asthma can't be cured, the symptoms can be controlled and it will not go away on its own.

My child doesn't want to be treated differently just because he has asthma. Do I have to tell his teachers?

It's understandable - all children want to be just the same as everyone else. But the bottom line is that your child has a chronic health condition and may need an adult's help.

It is very important that adults that your child spends time with know about your child's asthma so that they can recognize an attack at the early stages and make sure your child gets appropriate treatment.

Make sure that your child's teachers and daycare operators about :

Substances that may trigger your child's asthma, particularly any food sensitivities.

Symptoms that indicate the beginning of an asthma episode

How to help your child feel better during a mild asthma episode

An emergency plan to follow if an asthma episode becomes worse

What can cause an asthma attack?

No one is sure exactly what causes asthma, and sometimes an attack will occur for no foreseeable reason. But we do know that certain substances and conditions can bring on an asthma attack.

Common triggers of asthma include:

Upper respiratory infections such as colds or flu

Allergens like animal hair, dust, pollen, and foods

Emotionally stressful situations like an argument or laughing hard

Environmental conditions like very cold air or low humidity

Overly vigorous exercise

Airborne substances such as cigarette smoke, strong perfumes, and car exhaust

Asthma is a long-term, chronic inflammatory disorder that blocks airflow in and out of the lungs. An estimated 15 million Americans, including 4.8 million infants and children suffer from asthma and its familiar symptoms: shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, wheezing, and coughing. Often related to allergies, or confused with infections, proper diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and control of symptoms and attacks provide effective asthma management. On the companion web site to the Prairie Public Television's Healthworks Asthma special, you'll find information on diagnosis, treatment, and management of this common but misunderstood chronic lung condition.

COMMON CHILDHOOD ILLNESSES & INFECTIONS | YOUR CHILD'S DEVELOPMENT
PARENTING CHALLENGES | RESOURCES AND INFORMATION | ABOUT THIS PROGRAM
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Healthworks on Videotape
If you missed seeing Healthworks on Prairie Public Television, you still have a chance to keep up to date with these important health issues. Order a videotape copy of any of these interesting and informative programs for only $24.95 per program. Order online or call 1-800-359-6900 to order your copies today.

© 2001 Prairie Public Broadcasting, Inc.

Common Illnesses Contagious Diseases Lifelong Health Issues Asthma Allergies Diabetes Unavoidable Conditions Why Kids Get Sick So Often When To Call The Doctor When To Send Your Child to Daycare Safe Use of Antibiotics		Asthma Asthma is a chronic health condition that occurs when a person's lungs overreact to irritants by becoming inflamed and obstructed, making breathing difficult. During an asthma attack, the lungs can't draw in enough fresh air to meet the body's need for oxygen. When a person with asthma breathes in an irritant like smoke, perfume, or pollen, the linings of the airways become swollen and the airways themselves become narrow and full of mucus. Asthma attacks can strike without warning, and can last for just a few minutes or can go on for many days. There are medications that can help clear the airways and allow the person with asthma to get the oxygen they need to stay healthy. Common symptoms of asthma include: Shortness of breath when exercising or exerting yourself A high-pitched whistling sound when breathing A cough that goes on for more than ten days Tightness in your chest Frequent respiratory infections that last for more than two weeks If you think your child may have asthma, it is important to see your family physician. Although asthma can't be cured, the symptoms can be controlled and it will not go away on its own. My child doesn't want to be treated differently just because he has asthma. Do I have to tell his teachers? It's understandable - all children want to be just the same as everyone else. But the bottom line is that your child has a chronic health condition and may need an adult's help. It is very important that adults that your child spends time with know about your child's asthma so that they can recognize an attack at the early stages and make sure your child gets appropriate treatment. Make sure that your child's teachers and daycare operators about : Substances that may trigger your child's asthma, particularly any food sensitivities. Symptoms that indicate the beginning of an asthma episode How to help your child feel better during a mild asthma episode An emergency plan to follow if an asthma episode becomes worse What can cause an asthma attack? No one is sure exactly what causes asthma, and sometimes an attack will occur for no foreseeable reason. But we do know that certain substances and conditions can bring on an asthma attack. Common triggers of asthma include: Upper respiratory infections such as colds or flu Allergens like animal hair, dust, pollen, and foods Emotionally stressful situations like an argument or laughing hard Environmental conditions like very cold air or low humidity Overly vigorous exercise Airborne substances such as cigarette smoke, strong perfumes, and car exhaust Asthma is a long-term, chronic inflammatory disorder that blocks airflow in and out of the lungs. An estimated 15 million Americans, including 4.8 million infants and children suffer from asthma and its familiar symptoms: shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, wheezing, and coughing. Often related to allergies, or confused with infections, proper diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and control of symptoms and attacks provide effective asthma management. On the companion web site to the Prairie Public Television's Healthworks Asthma special, you'll find information on diagnosis, treatment, and management of this common but misunderstood chronic lung condition.
		COMMON CHILDHOOD ILLNESSES & INFECTIONS \| YOUR CHILD'S DEVELOPMENT PARENTING CHALLENGES \| RESOURCES AND INFORMATION \| ABOUT THIS PROGRAM BACK TO PRAIRIE PUBLIC TELEVISION \| RETURN TO PRAIRIEPUBLIC.ORG HOME PAGE
		Missed A Program? Healthworks on Videotape If you missed seeing Healthworks on Prairie Public Television, you still have a chance to keep up to date with these important health issues. Order a videotape copy of any of these interesting and informative programs for only $24.95 per program. Order online or call 1-800-359-6900 to order your copies today.
		© 2001 Prairie Public Broadcasting, Inc.