Online Patient Education Materials

Documents for Asthma

• Asthma and Pregnancy Show Details

  Description

  When you become pregnant you may notice many physical and emotional changes. Joy and wonder are often mixed with concerns about your health and the health of your unborn child. If you have asthma you may be concerned about this also. It is helpful to know that studies show having asthma does not increase your chances of having a baby with birth defects or of having multiple births. Further studies show that asthma can be controlled during pregnancy with little or no risk to you or your baby.

  Owner

  Patient Education

  Last Updated

  1/28/2011

• Exercise-Induced Asthma Show Details

  Description

  Exercise can make asthma symptoms worse. This is called exercise-induced asthma. Exercise can cause asthma symptoms in up to 80 percent of people with asthma. Treatment and monitoring can allow people with exercise-induced asthma to participate fully in the physical activity or exercise of their choice.

  Owner

  Patient Education

  Last Updated

  6/6/2011

• Getting Ready for Fall (with Allergy and Asthma) Show Details

  Description

  Now that summer is coming to an end, it s time to think about getting ready for school, fall allergies and cooler weather. This is also a time when people with asthma may notice a change in their condition. Being prepared for these changes can make a big difference in keeping your or your child s asthma well controlled.

  Owner

  Patient Education

  Last Updated

  9/23/2011

• Indoor Air Particulates: Wood-burning Stoves, Gases & Fumes Show Details

  Description

  Exposure to hazardous pollutants may have an immediate or a long-term effect, which may not show up for many years. The significance of the exposure depends upon the source, how much is emitted from the source, how harmful the pollutants are, and how much of the pollutants have accumulated within the home. Some immediate symptoms of exposure may include headache, dizziness, fatigue and upper airway irritation of the nose, throat and eyes. These symptoms may reoccur with repeated exposures.

  Owner

  Patient Education

  Last Updated

  6/6/2011

• Inhaled Medication With A Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI) Show Details

  Description

  The metered dose inhaler (MDI) consists of a pressurized canister of medication in a plastic case with a mouthpiece. Pressing the MDI releases a mist of medication. When inhaled correctly, the medication has a better chance to reach the small airways. This increases the medication's effectiveness. Its portable size, efficiency and convenience make the MDI a desirable method for inhalation treatment.

  Owner

  Patient Education

  Last Updated

  3/25/2011

• Metered Dose Inhalers: The HFA Propellant Show Details

  Description

  The metered dose inhaler (MDI) was developed in the 1950 s. The propellant used in MDIs until recently contained CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons). You may find when you replace your MDI that a different propellant is used in the inhaler. This is an HFA (hydrofluoroalkane) propellant.

  Owner

  Patient Education

  Last Updated

  6/6/2011

• Nasal Wash Treatment Show Details

  Description

  Many people with asthma or other lung problems also have nasal and sinus symptoms. Drainage from your nose and sinuses can make asthma worse, especially at night. A salt water nasal wash, or nasal irrigation, can help reduce this.

  Owner

  Patient Education

  Last Updated

  2/15/2012

• Peak Flow Monitoring Show Details

  Description

  A peak flow meter is a small, easy-to-use instrument that enables you or your child to measure lung function at home, at work, at school wherever you go. The peak flow meter measures how fast a person can blow out air after a maximum inhalation. It helps reveal how well you or your child's lungs are working. This is called the peak expiratory flow rate.

  Owner

  Patient Education

  Last Updated

  6/6/2011

• Recognizing Asthma Signs and Symptoms Show Details

  Description

  Recognizing the signs and symptoms of asthma is an important part of managing asthma. Knowing when early warning signs or mild symptoms are occurring is helpful so that treatment and other interventions can begin early. Early treatment is most effective. If severe symptoms are present, it is vital to begin the appropriate treatment immediately. Accurate and timely assessment of your symptoms or your child's symptoms can help you and your clinician decide if treatment should begin in the home, at your clinician's office or in the emergency room.

  Owner

  Patient Education

  Last Updated

  6/6/2011

• School Asthma Plan Show Details

  Description

  Because children spend most of their day at school, it is important that school professionals understand asthma and asthma management. This handout introduces asthma management concepts and gives school professionals detailed information about this student's asthma management program.

  Owner

  Patient Education

  Last Updated

  7/31/2012