MEDICINES FOR ASTHMA

Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford

TODAY’S DISCUSSION

Asthma Rescue vs. Control Medications Using Medications Peak Flow Meters Action Plans Avoiding Triggers

WHAT IS ASTHMA?

Asthma is a condition that affects the small tubes that carry air into and out of the lungs.

Asthma is an airway disease.

WHAT IS AN ASTHMA ATTACK?

When asthma is triggered, muscles in the walls of the airways start to tighten,

The lining of the airway becomes swollen,

And mucus builds up and gets in the way of the air that should reach the lungs.

AsthmaNormal

TYPES OF MEDICINES:

Control (Prevention)

vs.

Rescue

MEDICINES FORCONTROL (PREVENTION)

Advair QVAR

Pulmicort Singulair

Laitinen LA

MEDICINE FOR RESCUE

“There can be only one Rescue medicine”

(Albuterol has a lot of names)

Albuterol(Ventolin, Proventil, Combivent)

USING MEDICATIONS: INHALERS & SPACERS

USING MEDICATIONS: ADVAIR

1. OPEN

3. INHALE

2. CLICK

PEAK FLOW METERS

ASTHMA ACTION PLAN: 5+ years old

AVOIDING TRIGGERS

TRIGGER WHAT CAN I DO?

ExerciseUse albuterol 15 minutes before physical activity. Have albuterol inhaler available at all times.

InfectionsAvoid people with colds and flus. Practice good hand-washing and hygiene. Get an influenza vaccine every winter.

Cigarette Smoke Stop smoking.

Seasonal AllergiesUse albuterol 15 minutes before going outside. Close the windows in your home.

Cold WeatherWarm up before vigorous activity. Wear a facemask or scarf.

AVOIDING TRIGGERS

TRIGGER WHAT CAN I DO?

Dust Mites

Use covers for pillows and mattresses. Wash bedding in hot water every week.Dust and vacuum every week. Get rid of carpets and thick curtains.

MoldAir out damp areas. Clean moldy areas with vinegar and water.

Animal DanderDo not keep pets at home. If you have pets, keep them out of bedrooms. Wash pets every week.

Cockroaches and other Insects.

Keep your home as clean as possible.

SUMMARY

Asthma Rescue vs. Control Medications Using Medications Peak Flow Meters Action Plans Avoiding Triggers

THE END!

THANK YOU!