ASTHMA ATTACK

 

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

 

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR ASTHMA ATTACK

  1. Asthma Rescue Medicine:
    • Start your child's quick relief medicine (eg albuterol inhaler or nebs) at the first sign of any coughing or shortness of breath (don't wait for wheezing) (Reason: early treatment shortens the asthma attack).
    • The best "cough medicine" for a child with asthma is always the asthma medicine.
    • Follow your child's action plan for asthma attacks.
    • Continue the asthma rescue medicine until your child has not wheezed or coughed for 48 hours.
  2. Asthma Controller Medicine: If your child is using a controller medicine ( eg inhaled steroids or cromolyn), continue to give it as directed.
  3. Hay Fever:  For nose allergy symptoms, it's OK to give antihistamines.
  4. Fluids:  Encourage drinking normal amounts of clear fluids (e.g.,water) (Reason: keeps the lung mucus from becoming sticky).
  5. Humidifier:  If the air is dry, use a humidifier (reason: to prevent drying of the upper airway).
  6. Avoid or Remove Allergens:  Give a shower to remove pollens, animal dander, or other allergens from the body and hair.  Avoid known triggers of asthma attacks (e.g., tobacco smoke, feather pillows, exercise).
  7. Expected Course:  If treatment is started early, most asthma attacks are quickly brought under control.  All wheezing should be gone by 5 days.
  8. Call Your Doctor If:
    • Inhaled asthma medicine (neb or inhaler) is needed more often than every 4 hours.
    • Wheezing is not completely cleared by 5 days.
    • Your child becomes worse or develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Pediatric SelfCareNavigator. Copyright © 2000-2004 Barton Schmitt, M.D. FAAP

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 8/2003

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