1. Asthma Education Stanford Pediatrics Sara Federico, MD

2. 1999 Asthma Hospitalization Rates in Children 5-14 Years Old in San Mateo County

3. Asthma in East Palo Alto Children in East Palo Alto have a hospitalization rate three times higher than other areas of San Mateo county –Lack of access to medical care –Sub-optimal housing (including triggers for asthma attacks: molds, mildews, cockroaches, dust mites) –Location next to bay/industrial pollution

4. Asthma Facts Most common chronic disease in childhood. 1 in 10 children has asthma. #1 cause of missed school days due to illness.

5. What is asthma? A chronic lung disease blocking the flow of air in and out of the lungs causing: –swelling of the lining of the airways –muscles squeezing around the airways –excess mucous in the airways

6. How to recognize an asthma attack -Breathing is comfortable -No coughing or wheezing GOOD -Activity level is normal -Increased coughing -Wheezing (hoarse whistling sound) -Able to speak in full sentences WARNING -Trouble catching breath -Complains of chest tightness or fatigue -Breathing hard and fast -Nose opens wide -Unable to speak in full sentences DANGER -Lips or fingernails turning gray/blue CALL 911!

7. Managing an asthma attack -If needed inhaler during the day, call parents GOOD -If child has peak flow meter and knows how to use it, then have him/her check their peak flow -Give inhaler treatment WARNING -Call parents and tell them what happened -Send child home -Call 911 -Give inhaler treatments DANGER

8. How to use an inhaler Attach the inhaler to the spacer (tube to hold medication) Shake the inhaler before using Put the spacer mouthpiece in mouth Press down on inhaler to release medicine into the spacer Breathe in deeply for 3 to 5 seconds Hold breath for 10 seconds Repeat puffs as prescribed

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