Asthma PreventionDr. Carolyn Murrer

With winter right around the corner and flu season upon us, it is important to review how to best prevent asthma exacerbation in the winter as many viruses are rampant this time of year.

The following paragraph is a summary / reminder of the common triggers of asthma exacerbation. Allergic triggers of asthma

exacerbation include: • Indoor allergens such as dust mites, pet dander and mold. • Outdoor allergens such as mold and pollens from trees. • Other non-allergen mediated triggers of asthma exacerbation can include: air pollution, smoke, changes in the weather, cold air, humidity, emotional anxiety, colds, flu and other respiratory illnesses.

Many of the triggers can be prevented. Exposure to smoke is a great example of this. If you are a smoker, do not smoke in your house or around your child - smoke outside. Leave whatever article of clothing that you were smoking in, outside or away from your child so that they are not exposed to the particles that are on your clothing.

Change in the weather is a difficult trigger to prevent as the temperature changing this time of year is inevitable. Best advice would be to be aware that this can trigger an exacerbation and to be able to recognize the signs of an exacerbation. Signs of a flare-up include: coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath.

The flu virus and colds can also trigger asthma exacerbation and are especially common this time of year. Flu vaccine is a great option to prevent your child from getting the flu. The vaccine is not always 100% effective, but if your child gets the vaccine and still gets the flu, it most likely will be less severe. Strict hand washing will help prevent transmission of many viruses.

In summary, winter time can be difficult for children with asthma due to increased incidence of respiratory viruses, including the flu. It is important that your child’s school is aware of their asthma diagnosis. And as always, being aware of signs of asthma exacerbation and having a rescue inhaler nearby are also key to preventing severe exacerbations.

Breath’n Easy Buzz Winter 2019heritagevalley.org | Download our App

Did You Know?• An average of 1 out of every 12 school-aged children has asthma.• Asthma is the most common chronic condition among children.• Asthma affects an estimated 6.1 million children under 18 years.• 3.4 percent of children with asthma are more likely to use a hospital emergency room.• Boys are more likely to have asthma than girls.https://www.aafa.org/asthma-facts/

Food for ThoughtWhat does your child with asthma sleep on? Mattress __ Sofa __ Other__

Tip: Cover child’s mattress in a dust-proof (allergen impermeable) zippered cover. Clean the cover according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

What type of bedding does your child use? Bedspread, comforter, quilt __ Blankets __ Pillows __ Sheets __

Tip: Choose washable bedding and wash regularly in hot water and dry completely. Cover your child’s pillow in a dust proof zippered cover. (Clean the cover according to the manufacturer’s instructions).

BRRR - Winter Weather is Here!Winter weather is here. Asthmatics with allergies can breathe a sigh of relief because the first frost puts an end to many allergic triggers like grass and ragweed. Winter does mean cold weather here in western Pennsylvania. Cold, dry weather can trigger an asthma attack for many children.

When you inhale cold dry air, the airways can react by going into a bronchspasm (the airway muscles contract and this makes the airways get narrow). This tightening can trigger episodes of chest tightness, shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing.

Lungs make more mucus due to the dry cold air. The increased amount of thick mucus can trigger an asthma flare-up. The simplest way to thin out mucus is to drink plenty of fluids. Drinking extra fluids helps keep the mucus from building up.

During the winter, the air is more dry in your house because the furnace is on. You might want to consider having a whole house humidifier that increases the moisture in your home. The disadvantage is that with humidity comes mold and mildew. Make sure you clean the humidifier to avoid mold and mildew build up. Remember also to change your furnace filter. The American Lung Association recommends changing the furnace filter at least every three months.

Tips to avoid winter asthma attacks. 1. On windy, cold winter days – stay indoors. 2. Wear a scarf over your mouth and nose when you go outside (this will warm the air before it enters the airways). 3. Exercise indoors when it is cold outside. 4. Take your asthma medications as per your doctor’s instructions. 5. Keep your rescue inhaler with you and keep it warm. 6. Make sure to get a yearly flu shot. (Colds and the flu can trigger an asthma attack.)

One main trigger for children is a viral illness, such as a cold. A child can have an attack about 1-2 days after the start of a respiratory illness. The symptoms can vary and can include: • Coughing (especially early morning) • Shortness of breath • Sneezing • Tiredness • Restless/irritable • Wheezing • Elevated breathing rate (normal is under 25 breaths per minute, over 40, call your doctor!!)

Helpful HintsDon’t be caught off guard and in a panic over the Christmas Holiday. Make sure you are ready to handle an asthma attack! Remember that the Pediatricians office or Pharmacy may be closed so make sure you have refills on all asthma medications!

Take your child’s nebulizer and inhalers when visiting out of town over the Christmas Holiday!

Fireplaces may be warm and cozy but for your child with asthma it can be a real problem! Fireplaces and stoves that burn wood make smoke that releases particles in the air that cause asthma flare-ups.

Cigarette smoke also releases irritants that can make asthma worse. Avoid these situations to keep your child healthy.

Smoking FactsThe CDC (Center for Disease Control) states that second hand smoke exposure causes respiratory symptoms in children and slows lung growth. Every day children are exposed to second hand smoke that increases their risk of pneumonia and frequent bronchitis. About 4 out of 10 children aged 3–11 years are exposed to secondhand smoke in the U.S. https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/secondhand_smoke/children-home/index.htm

Tummy TicklersQ. What is black and white, black and white, black and white, black and white, and black and white? A penguin rolling down a hill.Q. What kind of turtle can’t be trusted? A turtle-tale.Q. Why don’t hens fight with each other? They’re all chicken.

Word SearchFind the following words: AsthmaWinterCold

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Heritage Valley Health System • Breath ‘n Easy • 3 Peartree Way - Beaver, PA 15009 • 866-328-8389 Option 4

Have a wonderful Holiday Seasonfrom your Breath’n Easy Asthma nurse!