Asthma: What to do?

Early Warning Signs

1. Sudden mood changes and/or irritability
2. Trouble completing sentences without gasping for breath
3. Quiet retreat
4. Itchy chin or neck
5. Watery, itchy eyes
6. Dark circles under the eyes

What to look for….

• Anxious or scared look
• Unusual facial paleness
• Flared nostrils
• Pursed-lip breathing
• Fast breathing/shortness of breath
• Hunched-over body position
• Perspiring
• Stomach or headache (hyperventilation)
• Restlessness during sleep
• Fatigue that is not related to activity

What to listen for…

• Coughing or persistent cough when the child has no cold
• Frequent clearing of the throat
• Irregular breathing
• Noisy, difficult breathing
• Wheezing during exhaling

What to do for asthmatic episodes (attacks)

• Remain calm and reassure the child.  Keep other children preoccupied.
• Follow the child’s asthma action plan (Give reliever medications as prescribed)
• Have child sit up and breathe slowly, in through the nose, out through pursed lips
• Have child sip water/fluids.
• Get child away from triggers.
• Children should not be left alone.

When to call 911

• “Quick relief” medicine is not effective, not available, used too recently to repeat
• Bluish lip area or blue nail beds
• Difficulty talking, walking or drinking
• Skin areas of neck, throat, or chest suck in
• Nasal flaring when inhaling
• Obvious distress (gasping for air, fearful, etc.)
• Altered level of consciousness/confusion

(Adapted from MDH presentation for daycare providers)