M&P-PRD-TEM-030-032511-S

How to Control Asthma

MP-HEP-PPT-702-01-020514-S

Health Promotion and Education Program

Rev. 2014

© 2014, MMM Healthcare, Inc. - PMC Medicare Choice, Inc.

Reproduction of this material is prohibited.

Objectives

At the end of the presentation, you will be able to:

• Define asthma

• Mention at least two asthma symptoms

• Identify at least three triggers

• Mention two types of treatment to control and manage asthma

Pre Test

1. Asthma is a disease: a. that causes trouble swallowing b. which causes breathing difficulty

2. Some risk factors of asthma are: a. dust, animal saliva, cigarette smoke b. water, sharing with a group, visiting the doctor

3. Asthma treatment includes: a. antibiotics b. maintenance and rescue medications

Pre Test

4. Two possible symptoms of an asthma attack are: a. feeling tired and leg cramps b. chest tightness and wheezing

5. Two changes in lifestyle to prevent asthma complications are: a. exposing oneself to temperature changes b. quit smoking and knowing what causes asthma

6. Knowing what causes asthma can: a. help us to better control the conditionb. limit our outings

Statistical Data

• According to the Department of Health of Puerto Rico:

– Asthma is considered as one of the more serious public health problems in Puerto Rico

– The morbidity and mortality for asthma are higher in comparison with the United States

– Studies show that asthma is the second most common condition in PR compared to other diseases, the leading cause of hospitalizations and the fifth leading cause of doctor visits

– There is an estimated 16.1% prevalence in adults

Anatomy of the respiratory system

What is asthma?

• Chronic disease in which airways constrict, preventing the passage of air.

Symptoms of asthma

• Asthma symptoms may vary and are not the same in everybody

• In general, symptoms may include:– Itchy throat

– Tightness in chest

– Cough

– Persistent sneezing

– Shortness of breath, sensation of choking

– Presence of a whistling sound in the chest

• Extreme difficulty breathing, despite following an action plan for asthma

• Sweating, anxiety and chest pain when breathing

• Inability to sleep

Symptoms that represent an emergency

• Whistling sound stops, but breathing shortens and becomes faster

• Symptoms worsen after taking medication

• Nails or lips turn blue or purple

Symptoms that represent an emergency

Asthma triggers

Common asthma triggers :

• Dust

• Animals

• Mold

• Infections

• Exercise and Stress

• Strong odors

• Cigarette smoke

• Food Allergies

• Colds and respiratory system problems

• Infections

• Changes in weather

Asthma triggers

Allergens in foods and medication

• Processed potatoes • Seafood • Dried fruits • Alcoholic beverages

o Beer, wine and champagne

• Cold medicines• Aspirin

Diagnostic tests for asthma

• To diagnose the condition, a physician performs several tests to see if you suffer from asthma

• Tests used to diagnose the condition:

– Spirometry test

– Allergy Testing

– Arterial blood gas test

– Chest X rays

– Electrocardiogram (ECG)

Treatment and Management of Asthma

Treatment for Asthma

• The most important part of a treatment plan is to prevent severe asthma attacks

• Asthma treatment includes: o Infection control o Controlling environmental triggerso Maintenance medicationso Having an action plan in case of an emergency

Treatment for Asthma

Infection Control• Prevent sickness • Wash your hands often • Avoid touching hands, nose, eyes and mouth • Get vaccinated against influenza annually • Get plenty of rest• Stay hydrated • Avoid exposure to allergy triggers

Treatment for Asthma

Environmental control

Stay away from:• Smoke (home, car, restaurants) • Other asthma triggers:

o Animals o Pollen o Dusto Dust Mites o Cockroaches o Strong odors

Use of medication

• Always have all asthma medications available

• Take medications as directed by your physician, even if symptoms improve

• Avoid discontinuing drug treatment or changing dosage without talking to your physician

Medication Therapy for Asthma

Types of asthma medication

In general, medications for asthma control are classified as:

• Rescue medications (bronchodilators)

• Control or maintenance medications (anti-inflammatory)

Rescue medications

• Used during a severe asthma attack

– Help relieve symptoms at the time of the attack

Control medication

• Known as anti-inflammatory drugs

– Taken daily and administered for a long time

• They prevent new episodes of asthma attacks and help improve lung function

Importance of Exercise

IMPORTANT: Before starting any exercise routine, consult with your physician.

• We recommend: – Minimum of 30 minutes of moderate activity

– Five (5) days a week

Plan for an emergency

• Keep emergency numbers available

• Request family members to call you daily at the same time, to verify that you are well

• Ask neighbors for their phone numbers, in case of an emergency

Remember

• Although asthma cannot be cured, through a diagnosis, appropriatetreatment and education, you can control your condition

Post Test

1. Asthma is a disease: a. that causes trouble swallowing b. which causes breathing difficulty

2. Some risk factors of asthma are: a. dust, animal saliva, cigarette smoke b. water, sharing with a group, visiting the doctor

3. Asthma treatment includes: a. antibiotics b. maintenance and rescue medications

Correct Answers

1. Asthma is a disease: a. that causes trouble swallowing b. which causes breathing difficulty

2. Some risk factors of asthma are: a. dust, animal saliva, cigarette smoke b. water, sharing with a group, visiting the doctor

3. Asthma treatment includes: a. antibiotics b. maintenance and rescue medications

Post Test

4. Two possible symptoms of an asthma attack are: a. feeling tired and leg cramps b. chest tightness and wheezing

5. Two changes in lifestyle to prevent asthma complications are: a. exposing oneself to temperature changes b. quit smoking and knowing what causes asthma

6. Knowing what causes asthma can: a. help us to better control the conditionb. limit our outings

Correct Answers

4. Two possible symptoms of an asthma attack are: a. feeling tired and leg cramps b. chest tightness and wheezing

5. Two changes in lifestyle to prevent asthma complications are: a. exposing oneself to temperature changes b. quit smoking and knowing what causes asthma

6. Knowing what causes asthma can: a. help us to better control the conditionb. limit our outings

For an immediate health consult,call us:

MMM: 1-866-677-7779

PMC: 1-866-516-7704

TTY (hearing impaired): 1-866-690-7771

For more information, call the Health Promotion and Education Program of Cuidándote Mucho Más:

787-993-2311 (Metro Area)

1-866-517-0701 (toll free)

Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Where to find aid…

Mental Health DepartmentA specialized Department dedicated to integrate

Mental Health care

Online Member Access 7 days a week, 24 hours a day

1-877-721-7722

References1. Datos sobre el Asma, Organización Mundial de la Salud, Recopilado Febrero 2013.

http://www.who.int/respiratory/asthma/es/index.html

2. Asma, Centro para el Control y Prevención de Enfermedades, Recopilado el 22 de julio de 2008 de la dirección electrónica: http://www.cdc.gov/spanish/enfermedades/asma.html. Mayo 2011

3. NIH Institutos Nacionales de la Salud. MedlinePlus. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/spanish/asthma.html. Diciembre 2012.

4. Sistema de Vigilancia de Asma, Departamento de Salud. http://www.salud.gov.pr/Datos/InfoSalud/Asthma/Pages/default.aspx