Take a Deep Breath

from Shine Newsletter, Winter 2007

Your child has asthma, and lately you've noticed that he's been having trouble sleeping and is coughing more than normal. Fortunately, you can count on The Children's Hospital to help him breathe easier.

Many hospitals routinely admit children when their asthma enters the "red zone" (see "In the Zone" for more information). The Children's Hospital is improving treatment for asthmatic patients who visit our Emergency Department so they can return home rather than be admitted.

"Asthma is the most commonly diagnosed chronic childhood disease," says Monica Federico, MD, pediatric pulmonologist at Children's. "Our goal is to effectively help children living with this condition. We've recently adapted a unique and comprehensive care plan to relieve the symptoms of asthma and teach families how to successfully manage asthma. We're also sharing the plan with community physicians to ensure each patient receives the highest level of care."

ADVANCED ASTHMA CARE

For asthmatic children in need of emergency services, here is a brief overview of Children's six-step system for successful management of asthma:
1. Upon arriving in the emergency department (ED), your child will immediately receive quick-relief medication to relieve airway constriction.
2. He'll be evaluated using a special scoring system to classify his flare-ups as intermittent (occasional) or persistent (frequent). The staff will determine how fast he's breathing, his clarity of lung sounds and the severity of his shortness of breath.
3. If diagnosed with persistent asthma, your child will receive a prescription for an inhaled steroid to control airway inflammation - a standard of care unique to Children's.
4. Your child will be observed for several hours in the ED to ensure his asthma is controlled. If he is still unable to breathe comfortably, he may be admitted for further care.
5. Whether discharged from the hospital or the ED, your child will receive an asthma action plan that describes how and when to take medications, what triggers to avoid and when to call the doctor.
6. He may also require a follow-up appointment with his doctor after leaving the hospital.
"Education is key to treating asthma," says Diane Herrick, coordinator of Children's Asthma Management Program, who created the guidelines with Dr. Federico and Gwen Kerby, MD, pediatric pulmonologist at Children's. "Throughout our protocols, asthma care providers teach families how to control asthma because management can significantly reduce risk of future flare-ups."

For more information about asthma, talk to your physician or call Children's Pulmonary Medicine Clinic at 720-777-1234.