ASTHMA MANAGEMENT

To achieve and maintain asthma control for prolonged periods an asthma management and prevention strategy includes five interrelated components:

• Develop Patient/Parent/Caregiver/Doctor Partnership;
• Identify and Reduce Exposure to Risk Factors;
• Assess, Treat, and Monitor Asthma;
• Manage Asthma Exacerbations; and
• Special Considerations.

Goals of Asthma Management:

• Child should be symptom free with minimal exacerbations
• No emergency visit to the hospital
• Minimal need of SOS bronchodilator (rescue therapy)
• No limitation on activities, including exercise and outdoor games
• Normal Peak expiratory flow
• No school absenteeism
• Normal growth and good quality life

Consequences of Uncontrolled Asthma:

• Poor lung function
• Poor academic performance
•  Increased school absence
•  Inadequate sleep
•  Limited participation in school activities
• Increased hospitalization
• Increased risk of asthma death