FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Educating parents and caregivers about the signs of an asthma attack during Asthma Awareness Month can help safe a child’s life. Especially important for parents with children attending summer camps.
MIAMI, FL – May 4, 2015 – May is National Asthma Awareness Month and the perfect opportunity to create awareness with parents and caregivers by educating them on the signs of an asthma attack. This knowledge is especially important during the summer months when kids are more likely to be exposed to rigorous activity and extended hours outdoors. It is crucial that parents and caregivers know how to identify when a child is having an asthma attack. There are key warning signs to look that will help determine when an emergency situation is at-hand.
- Be weary of frequent chest colds and bouts of acute bronchitis.
- While wheezing can occur in people without asthma, it can also serve as a warning sign that should be evaluated by a doctor (wheezing is a high pitch whistling sound when breathing).
- Persistent coughs or throat clearing should be of concern.
- Unusual fatigue and restless sleep can also be caused by untreated asthma.
- A child with severe shortness of breath or struggling to breathe would be the first warning sign of an attack, especially if child is grabbing at chest.
- Increased, sweating and vomiting is also a clear indicator that something is wrong.
- Watch closely to see if child has widened nostrils when breathing, is using mostly abdominal muscles to breathe or developing blueness around lips.
- Assess if child is feeling frightened due to not being able to breathe properly.
If a child is displaying a combination of the symptoms above, emergency medical treatment is required. While waiting for help, someone trusted should stay with the child to keep him calm, less afraid or anxious. Keep the child seated and loosen any tight clothing, and use a rescue inhaler as prescribed until help arrives. It is important that there be good communication between parents and teachers/caregivers, in order to be aware of the symptoms that may trigger an asthma attack, especially if there child suffers from allergies that may contribute to exacerbate asthma onsets.
“It is important that parents and patient consult with a specialist to develop an “asthma action plan” to feel confident about the actions to be taken in case of an asthma attack.” recommends Dr. Adriana M. Bonansea-Frances, MD, PhD of Florida Center For Allergy & Asthma Care.
Asthma is a chronic lung disease characterized by inflammation to the airways and includes recurring attacks of such symptoms as wheezing, coughing and chest tightness. Inflammation makes the airways sensitive to allergens and irritants in the environment. While there is no cure for asthma, it can be controlled with proper medical treatment and environmental management. The rates of asthma cases has increased significantly over the past 30 years in the U.S., making asthma the third leading cause of preventable hospitalizations and one of the leading causes of school absenteeism, hindering the child’s participation and progress in early learning programs and school. It is also the most common chronic illness among children in Florida. According to the Florida Department of Health (FDH), poorly managed asthma results in unnecessary visits to the emergency room, hospitalizations and, in worst cases, asthma can be fatal. A FDH study found that in 2009, there were a total of 42,238 emergency department (ED) visits and 7,646 hospitalizations with asthma listed as the primary diagnosis among Florida children under the age of 18. The total charges for these visits combined are approximately $221.9 million dollars, with approximately 60% of these charges billed to Medicaid. These emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and charges are largely avoidable when asthma is properly managed.
With 17 locations in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties, Florida Center For Allergy & Asthma Care can help you get your symptoms under control. For an office near you, visit www.florida-allergy.com or call 1-877-425-5374.
About Florida Center For Allergy & Asthma Care
Florida Center For Allergy & Asthma Care has been in business since 1974 and has Board Certified physicians in allergy with extensive experience in treating both adults and children. FCAAC has 17 centers throughout South Florida, serving communities in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. The Centers specialize in the testing and treatment of adults and children who suffer from allergies, asthma and other disorders of the immune system. Among the most common allergies treated are allergic skin diseases, food, drug, insect, and pet allergies. Florida Center For Allergy & Asthma Research conducts clinical trials on new and existing allergy medications. The goal of the FCAAC team is to provide professional and quality care resulting in total patient satisfaction.
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Bristol Public Relations
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