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April 7, 2003 Caring for Children with AsthmaJanette Hoffman
Child Care Nurse Consultant
Child Care Resource Service
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Macon County Health Department
About 1 out of 10 children in the United States has asthma. Studies show that as many as 80% of children with asthma develop symptoms before age 5, but it is very difficult to diagnose in young children. Asthma is one of the main reasons children miss school or are admitted to the hospital. During the past 20 years, the number of children with asthma has increased as well as the number of children who have died of asthma. As parents and child care providers, you need to know about asthma symptoms, how to tell if symptoms are getting worse, what triggers asthma episodes and how to control triggers, how to correctly use medications and equipment, how to plan for emergencies, and the importance of communication between parents, child care providers, and health professionals.
Asthma is a chronic disease of the airways that causes them to become narrow with swollen, irritated, and inflamed linings. The airways are also overly sensitive to certain triggers, which cause them to become more inflamed, swollen, and filled with mucus. Triggers can include things such as exercise, animal dander, dust mites, smoke, viral infections, cold air, cockroaches, and emotional stress. Avoiding triggers is an important part of an asthma action plan.
It is important to be able to recognize the first signs that a child's airway is narrowing which may include coughing, shortness of breath, using extra muscles to breath, difficulty speaking, refusing to play and wheezing. Medications to treat asthma fall into two main categories, quick relief medicine to open the airways during an asthma episode and long-term control medicine to help decrease the inflammation and sensitiveness in the airways. Many different types of equipment are used to administer these medications and in treating asthma such as an inhaler, nebulizer, spacer, peak flow meter, and the asthma action plan. This plan includes emergency information, activities or conditions likely to trigger an asthma episode, current medications and how to administer them and the steps to take during a severe asthma episode.
It is imperative for parents to share all information about their child's asthma condition with family members, child care providers, parents of playmates, teachers, church school staff and anyone who may be caring for the child. Parents and child care providers should work together to provide feedback to health care providers. It is important to remember that children with asthma are children first and a consistent asthma management plan will help control symptoms and allow kids to do just about any activity they choose.
Want to learn more about this important topic? Here are some great resources on asthma for parents and early childhood teachers!
Web Resources
- Asthma in Child Care
http://ucsfchildcarehealth.org/pdfs/healthandsafety/asthmaen060604_adr.pdf - How Asthma-Friendly Is Your Child-Care Setting?
Checklist
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/lung/asthma/chc_chk.htm - Supporting Students with Asthma
This digest briefly describes asthma symptoms and "triggers." It also presents some suggestions for maintaining a school environment conducive to the attendance of children with asthma and for developing a curriculum conducive to their academic achievement.
http://www.ericdigests.org/2000-4/asthma.htm. - Asthma Basics
Information for parents on the cause, diagnosis, and types of asthma.
http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/asthma/asthma_basics.html - Managing Asthma
Information for parents on controlling asthma in children.
http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/asthma/asthma_mgmt.html - For Parents With Children Who Have Asthma
This web site includes an overview of asthma in children and information on controlling asthma.
http://www.lungusa.org/lung-disease/asthma/living-with-asthma/parents-with-children.html - Children and Asthma. Learning Center from the
American Academy of Pediatrics
This web site links to extensive information on symptoms, causes, and more. http://www.aap.org/healthtopics/asthma.cfm - Allergy and Asthma Network
AANMA is a national nonprofit network of families whose desire is to overcome, not cope with,allergies and asthma.
http://www.aanma.org/ - The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
(AAFA)
AAFA, a not-for-profit provides practical information, community based services, support and referrals through a national network of chapters and educational support groups.
http://www.aafa.org/ - National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
General information on asthma as well as information for schools or child care centers can be linked to from this web page.
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/lung/index.htm
Books
- Plaut, M.D., Thomas F., & Jones, Teresa B. (1999). Asthma Guide for People of All Ages. Amherst, MA: Pedipress, Inc.
- Plaut, M.D., Thomas F.(2001). One Minute Asthma - What You Need to Know. Amherst, MA: Pedipress, Inc.
Children's Resources
- A is for Asthma. Sesame Street's A is for Asthma is a video targeting preschool age children and their caregivers. Availability: call the American Lung Association. 1-800-586-4872.
- London, Jonathan. The Lion Who Had Asthma. (1992).
Morton Grove, IL: Albert Whitman & Company.
ERIC Database: Selected Records
To search the ERIC database for resources on this topic, use this search strategy: enter descriptors "asthma" and "preschool children."
How to Obtain ERIC Documents and Journal Articles:
References identified with an ED (ERIC document)or EJ (ERIC journal) are cited in the ERIC database. ERIC Documents (citations identified by an ED number) may be available in full text from ERIC at no cost at the ERIC Web site: http://www.eric.ed.gov. Journal articles are available from the original journal, interlibrary loan services, or article reproduction clearinghouses.
If you would like to conduct your own free ERIC database searches via the Internet, go directly to http://www.eric.ed.gov/ERICWebPortal/search/basic.jsp
- ERIC Document No.: ED424026
Caring for Children with Chronic Conditions. Training Guides for the Head Start Learning Community
Author Affiliation: Bowman (James) Associates, San Francisco, CA.(BBB33495)
Publication Date: 1998
Availability: U.S. Government Printing Office, Superintendent of Documents, Mail Stop: SSOP, Washington, DC 20402-9328.
Abstract: Head Start program performance standards require that children not be excluded from Head Start solely on the basis of their health care needs. This guide is designed to build staff capacity to make Head Start a safe and welcoming place for children with chronic conditions and their families, and to create a framework for individual planning to meet the special health needs of children with chronic conditions. - ERIC Document No.: ED417832
Understanding Asthma in Young Children
Author(s) Mohay, Heather; Holzheimer, Leisa
Publication Date: September 1997
Availability: Australian Early Childhood Association, Inc., P.O. Box 105, Watson, ACT 2602; phone: 02-6241-6900, 800-356-900; fax: 02-6241-5547; e-mail: national@acca.org.au
Abstract: Asthma is an incurable respiratory disease characterized by increased responsiveness of the tracheobronchial tree to a variety of stimuli. Associated symptoms include shortness of breath, chest tightness, and a cough or wheeze. This resource booklet for child caregivers presents comprehensive information on the nature of asthma and caring for a child with asthma. - ERIC Journal No.: EJ436410
Ask Dr. Sue: Center Directors Express These Health Concerns
Author(s) Aronson, Susan S.
Publication Date: 1991
Abstract: A physician addresses three health concerns of child care center directors. She provides information about the increasing number of children with asthma problems, the exclusion of ill children from child care settings, and the increasing concern about lead poisoning. - ERIC Journal No.: EJ609626
Managing Asthma at School
Author(s) Madden, Julie A.
Publication Date: 2000
Abstract: School personnel must know which students have asthma, typical warning signs, and appropriate actions in an emergency. Administering appropriate medication and reducing environmental triggers are not enough. Policymaking in schools and workplaces and legislation to increase health care access and eliminate substandard housing and air pollution are essential. - ERIC Journal No.: EJ607394
Waiting To Inhale. What Parents Need To Know about Asthma
Author(s) Tuscano, Antoinette
Publication Date: 2000
Abstract: Presents information to help parents understand asthma. A major misconception is the idea that asthma only occurs periodically. In reality, it is a chronic condition that needs ongoing treatment, rather than treatment only when there are symptoms. This misconception can lead to the asthma controlling the patient instead of vice versa. A sidebar lists asthma symptoms. - ERIC Journal No.: EJ585753
Children with Asthma: Strategies for Educators
Author(s) Neuharth-Pritchett, Stacey; Getch, Yvette Q.
Publication Date: 1999
Abstract: Guidelines for managing the child with asthma in educational settings address effects of asthma on academic performance, psychosocial effects, the need for collaboration with parents and medical personnel, common triggers of asthmatic episodes, symptoms, communication with parents, and resources. A sample asthma care plan is attached. - ERIC Journal No.: EJ514781
The Effects of Asthma on School Performance
Author(s) Lowenthal, Barbara; Lowenthal, Mark
Publication Date: 1995
Abstract: Factors which may affect school performance in children with asthma, including absenteeism, learning disabilities, psychological functioning, and medications, are reviewed. Recommendations are made to assist teachers in creating a classroom environment which promotes optimal academic and social development of students with asthma. - ERIC Journal No.: EJ503562
Meeting the Health Needs of Children with Asthma
Author(s) Aronson, Susan S.
Publication Date: 1995
Abstract: Offers childcare workers information on the incidence of asthma among children; symptoms of asthma; types of asthma medications; and the use of peak flow meters. Provides checklists of things a childcare worker needs to know about an asthmatic child's medication and when to get emergency assistance. - ERIC Journal No.: EJ648762
Child Care Centers and Children with Special Needs: Rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
Author(s) Shipley, Tracy Elizabeth
Source: Journal of Law & Education, v31 n3 p327-49 Jul 2002
Publication Date: 2002
Abstract: Summarizes current law on the legal responsibilities of day-care centers for special-needs children under Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504. Examines cases involving reasonable modifications for HIV-positive children. Also examines cases determining reasonable accommodation for children with allergic reactions, diabetes, personal-care attendants, cerebral palsy, behavioral problems, and children administered asthma medication. (Contains 119 references.) - ERIC Document No.: ED459941
Illinois Kids Count, 2002: Supporting the Changing Family
Author(s) Parker, Trisha; Warner, Lindsay; Zasadny, Julie
Publication Date: 2002
Availability: Voices for Illinois Children, 208 South LaSalle Street, Suite 1490, Chicago, IL 60604-1103.
Abstract: This Kids Count data book examines statewide trends in the well-being of Illinois' children. The statistical portrait is based on 24 indicators in the areas of family, health, safety, education, and economic security. The indicators are:…(9) asthma hospitalizations… The first part of the report explores the changing family, highlighting children's oral health, insurance costs, school readiness, earned income tax credit, and teen REACH program. Sources, definitions and endnotes follow. The bulk of the report presents data tables for each indicator for the state, the counties, and the city of Chicago.
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