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Warning Signs of Asthma Episodes
Asthma episodes rarely occur without seaming. Most people with asthma have warming signs (physical changes) that occur hours before symptoms appear. Warning signs are not the same for everyone. You may have different signs at different times. By knowing your warming signs and acting on them, you may be able to avoid a serious episode of asthma.
- Think back on your last asthma episode. Did you have any of the signs below?
- Check your warning signs). Show them to your doctor and family.
- Remember to follow your asthma control plan as soon as these signs appear.
Check here
_______ Drop in peak flow reading
_______ Chronic cough, especially at night
_______ Difficulty breathing
_______ Chest starts to get tight or hurts
_______ Breathing faster than normal
_______ Getting out of breath easily
_______ Tired, itchy, watery, or glassy eyes
_______ Itchy, scratchy, or sore throat
_______ Stroking chin or throat
_______ Sneezing, Head stopped up
_______ Headache, Fever
_______ Restless
_______ Runny nose
_______ Change in face color
_______ Dark circles under eyes
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Summary of Steps To Manage Asthma Episodes
1. Know your warning signs and peak flow zones so you can begin treatment early.
2. Take the correct amount of medicine at the times the doctor has stated. If the asthma control plan includes increased dosage or a second medicine to be used during episodes, take it as prescribed. Always call your doctor if you need to take more medicine than the doctor ordered.
3. Remove yourself or the child from the trigger if you know what it is. Treatment does not work as well if the patient stays around the trigger.
4. Keep calm and relaxed. Family members must stay calm and relaxed too.
5. Rest
6. Observe yourself or the child by noting changes in body signs such as wheezing, coughing, trouble breathing, and posture. If you have a peak flow meter, measure peak flow number 5 to 10 minutes after each treatment to see if peak flow is improving.
7. Review the list below for signs to seek emergency medical care for asthma. They include:
- Your wheeze, cough, or shortness of breath gets worse, even after the medicine has been given and had time to work. Most inhaled bronchodilators medicines produce an effect within 5 to 10 minutes. Discuss the time your medicines take to work with your doctor.
- Your peak flow number goes down, or does not improved after treatment with bronchodilators, or drops to 50 percent or less of personal best. Discuss this peak flow level with your doctor.
- Your breathing gets difficult. Signs of this are: a) Your chest and neck are pulled or sucked in with each breath. b) You are hunching over. c) You are struggling to breathe.
- You have trouble walking or talking.
- You stop playing or working and cannot start again.
- Your lips or fingernails are gray or blue. If this happens, go to the Emergency Room Now!
8. Keep your important information for seeking emergency care handy.
9. Call a family member, friend, or neighbor to help you if needed.
10. Immediately call a clinic, doctor's office, or hospital for help if needed.
Do Not Do the Following:
- Do not drink a lot of water. Just drink normal amounts.
- Do not breathe warm moist air from a shower.
- Do not rebreathe into a paper bag held over the nose.
Do not use over-the-counter cold remedies without first calling the doctor.
(Text compiled by Virginia Thomas, CRNP)
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