NURSING CARE FOR ASTHMA

Basic Asthma Information: What is Asthma? Asthma is a lifelong, or chronic breathing problem caused by swelling (inflammation) of the airways in the lungs. It cannot be cured, but it can be prevented and controlled. When you have asthma, your airways are super sensitive, or "twitchy." They may react to many things. These things are called triggers. People who have asthma may wheeze or complain of feeling "tight" in the chest. They may also cough a lot when their asthma journal of asthma nursing care for asthma is not under control. Asthma Keys: ú Develop an Asthma Action/Management Plan with your doctor. Go over it with your doctor or asthma specialist until you are comfortable with it. Update it often. ú Avoid your triggers. ú Know when and how to use your medications. Take them as directed. ú Check your peak flow daily, if your doctor tells you to. ú Have your quick relief medications handy at all times. ú Watch for early warning signs of an asthma nursing care for asthma nursing care for asthma attack. Is Asthma a Serious Disease? Asthma is a serious disease, and can kill if it is not treated the right way. When it is treated the right way, people with asthma can live normal, active lives. What are the Symptoms of Asthma? Not all people with asthma have the same symptoms, however, the most common symptoms are: ú Shortness of breath, chest "tightness" ú Wheezing ú Cough lasting more than a week, or that happens during the night or after exercise ú asthma spacers nursing care for asthma Chronic cough (sometimes coughing is the only symptom you will have) ú When you have a cold, it lasts for more than 10 days, and goes into your chest Who Gets Asthma? Anyone can get asthma, at any age. Sometimes it starts in infancy, other times it starts later in childhood. Although some children seem to "outgrow" asthma, the disease never really goes away, there is just a time when you are not having any breathing problems. Asthma can also start testimonial asthma nursing care for asthma at