Asthma & Anaphylaxis

1.Life-long lung disease 2.23 million Americans were affected (2008) 3.Severe cases are on the rise

 Dust and smoke  Air pollution  Respiratory infections  Fear or anxiety  Perfume  Exercise  Plants and molds  Medications (aspirin)  Animal dander

 Temperature extremes  Changes in weather

 Limit triggers in the home  Control emotions  Prevent infections  Reduce environmental triggers  Exercise carefully

Keep plants outside Wash bedclothes often Use hypoallergenic covers Eliminate or reduce carpets / rugs Keep the home free of dust Change air filters

Don’t stress over college finals Control breathing Talk with family and friends often (stress) Practice relaxation activities

Wash hands regularly Keep surfaces clean (around the home) Stay up to date on vaccines

Wear weather appropriate clothing Stay indoors when allergens are high Take preventative medications Avoid smoky environments Talk with your health care provider

Take prescribed medication regularly Slowly warm up before exercising Drink plenty of fluids during exercise Follow health care provider advice Notify coaches of existing conditions

Prevent or Reverse Inflammation Work slowly Control over many hours Should be taken regularly

Also called rescue medication Used to stop an attack Short-acting Not a substitute for regular medication

 Measured dose in mist form  Commonly called “inhaler”

 Hand-held device, delivers dry powder medication  Some are tasteless, others mixed with lactose  Requires a quick “strong” breath in

 Delivers medication in mist form – continuous  Works great when you can’t get deep breath

 Trouble breathing or shortness of breath  Rapid, shallow breathing  Sweating  Tightness in the chest  Inability to talk without stopping for breath  Feelings of fear or confusion

 If a person’s breathing doesn’t improve within a couple minutes, call  Keep them as calm as possible while waiting  Be prepared for rescue breathing  Assist with any medication that is prescribed

Severe allergic reaction that can cause trouble breathing and is life-threatening

 Reaction of the bodies immune system to something foreign (antigen)  Antibodies fight the antigen with an inflamatory response  All allergic reactions are accompanied by swelling (some mild, some harsh)  Serious reactions can cause the whole body to react including the airway

 Over 12 million people have food allergies  Over 30,000 cases of anaphylaxis each year  Peanuts and Tree nuts are the most fatal type of food allergy  Other common food allergens:  Milk / Dairy  Seafood (especially shellfish)  Soy  Wheat

 Difficulty breathing  Tight feeling in the chest / throat  Swelling of the face, throat or tongue  Weakness, dizziness or confusion  Rash or hives  Low blood pressure  Shock

 Trouble breathing that does not get better within a couple minutes  If you know the person is allergic (ID bracelet)?  Complaining of throat tightness  Unconscious

 Treat life threats (ABC’s)  Ask – what did you eat, or get into? Allergy?  Get all the info you can if they are alert and able to speak  Name  Age  Symptoms  How long  Happened before

 Quick head to toe check – look for signs of anaphylaxis  Look for ID bracelet / necklace

 Check:  Head – Swelling of face, neck or tongue  L.O.C.  Skin – Cold or hot?, wet or dry? Pale?  Breathing – Painful? Wheezing, Gasping?

 Auto-Epinephrine Injector (EPI Pen)

Questions? I have ADD…I don’t remember what was on the second slide