Question

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Create a professional looking pamphlet or one page handout that will provide information and images to a patient at 8th grade reading level on a healthcare topic about Asthma

Answer 1

What is the definition of Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic respiratory illness, occasionally troublesome and difficult, but a manageable disease. With understanding, good medical care and monitoring, families can keep asthma well controlled. If your child has asthma, he or she is not alone. In Qatar, asthma affects around 20% of children in school age and, in the United States, it affects 22 million people. It is the most widespread chronic childhood disease. Pediatric Asthma Guide Booklet 3 Asthma, also known as reactive airway disease, is defined as a chronic lung condition with: l Inflammation (swelling) of the airways l Increased sensitivity of the airways to a variety of things that make asthma worse l Obstruction of airflow

Characteristic changes in the airways consist of:

Inflammation

Amplified Sensitivity

Airway Obstruction

Tests.

Spirometry (breathing tests) l Chest X-rays l Skin tests

When to run tests:

We recommend referring patients to an asthma specialist (allergist, immunologist or pulmonologist) if any one of the following occurs:

Severe asthma attack l Several visits to the hospital or emergency room in the last year

Conditions that complicate asthma such as chronic sinusitis

nasal polyps or vocal cord dysfunction

Frequent treatment with steroid tablets or syrup

Uncertainty with the diagnosis

Allergies are being considered

Asthma seems to be getting worse

Poor response to medicine.

Recommended actions

Smoking should be prohibited in the home or car with a child who has asthma.

If you smoke, try to quit smoking.

Ask the doctor about techniques that are supportive.

Avert smoke exposure in the child’s school or day care setting

Look for non-smoking sections in public areas

Shun aerosol sprays, perfumes, strong cleaning products and other smell sources in the home.

Clean when your child is not home.

What are environmental asthma triggers?

Environmental Chemicals and Pollutants •

Strong smelling household cleaners or any product with a strong odor like paint, perfume, hairspray, air fresheners, bug- sprays, moth balls, bombs or foggers. • The fumes from your car when idling in the garage or near your house or apartment. Idling is leaving your car engine on when the car is not moving. • Vapors and or fumes/odors from gas, oil or kerosene stoves.

What you can do: —Open a window when you use household cleaners or cook to allow fresh air into the house or apartment. —Do not stay in the area of a car that is idling. —Vent furnaces, electrical ranges, space heaters, gas, wood and coal stoves to the outside

Secondhand Smoke Smoke from a burning cigarette, pipe, cigar, etc.

What you can do: —If you smoke, quit. —If you do not smoke, avoid places where other people smoke.

Pets and Bugs •

Dander from birds, cats, dogs, gerbils, rats and mice can remain in the house or apartment dust long after the animal has left. • Cockroach droppings can also affect asthma.

What you can do: —Keep pets away from fabric-covered furniture (especially your bed), carpets and stuffed toys. —Wash your hands, face and arms after playing with your pet.

Molds •

Molds live in warm, moist places such as basements, kitchens, bathrooms, under old carpets, ceiling tiles or any place that collects water.

What you can do: Prevent mold by repairing leaks and moisture areas. —Wash all surfaces with vinegar (do not use bleach as it can trigger an asthma attack). —Repair moldy ceiling tiles and carpets to keep mold away. Household Dust Mites • Dust mites are tiny insects that cannot be seen with the naked eye.

• Dust mites can be found in any fabric covered item in your home (mattresses, sofas, clothes, stuffed toys, carpets).

What you can do: —Frequently wash bed sheets, pillowcases and blankets in hot water. —Wear a mask when vacuuming and replace vacuum bags often. Use dust mite cover on your pillows and mattress