The Asthma and Allergy Institute
EARLY SIGNS OF ASTHMA
Patients and parents can learn to recognize early signs and symptoms of an asthma attack. This can lead to early treatment and prevent more serious symptoms. There are four signs, which may mark the beginning of an asthma attack:
· Increased nasal congestion and runniness caused by allergens, common cold virus or both.
· Coughing or wheezing at night.
· Increased (more frequent) use of albuterol in an inhaler or nebulizer.
· Increased coughing or wheezing 5-10 minutes after beginning vigorous exercise.
Any of these signs indicate that changes in medication may be necessary. For children older than 4 years of age, peak flow meters can be helpful to judge whether your child’s asthma is getting worse. The peak flow meter is best used in the morning when you notice any of the above signs or symptoms. When the peak flow value drops by more than 20% of your child’s personal best (yellow zone), contact his/her primary care physician or asthma doctor so that medication changes can be considered. If the peak flow test drops by more than 50% (red zone), call your child’s physician as soon as possible to learn whether they need to be seen in the clinic or hospital.
Treatment: Additional medications are often needed to break an attack. Sometimes 3 to 5 days of steroid (Prednisone) will be recommended. For children using steroid inhalers, additional puffs may be needed until cold symptoms subside. To open up airways, albuterol in an inhaler or nebulizer (up to 3-4 times a day) should be used. Notify your child’s physician if your child needs albuterol more often than this. Each albuterol treatment should consist of 2 puffs from an inhaler or 1 vial of solution in a nebulizer. Continue to use albuterol when needed as long as your child has symptoms. Be sure, however, to reduce the frequency of treatments as symptoms improve. Within about a week, your child’s symptoms should be back to baseline.
Special Instructions:
Dr. Leonard J. Caputo
Dr. Bill Davidson