With approximately 200,000 asthmatics and an untold number of allergy sufferers in the Washington area, we all have friends, acquaintances or family members for whom wheezing, sneezing and itching are a way of life. But don’t be misled: allergies are…
Asthma Care
What Is the First Step in an Emergency?
If you recognize the signs of a severe flare early there should be enough time to give a quick-relief treatment, call your physician, and get to an emergency department. Most asthma flares have a progression of symptoms over the course…
When Is Asthma an Emergency?
Warning signs of a severe asthma flare vary for individual children. As you know, flares occur when a trigger increases inflammation in the airways of the lung. Research suggests that common colds and flu viruses trigger the great majority of…
What to Expect in the Emergency Department
Emergency department care usually begins with an assessment at triage to determine the level of illness. For asthma, this includes vital signs (temperature, pulse and breathing rates, and blood pressure) and pulse oximetry, a small clip that attaches to a…
PRIMARY CARE
Every child should have a primary care provider for well-child checkups and immunizations. With a chronic disease like asthma, it is particularly important to see consistently the same physician, nurse practitioner, or other professional over time so the primary care…
Pharmacist: Asthma Care
A pharmacist describes a community outreach program that positions the pharmacy as a center where patients are counseled about the correct use of their asthma medications. Asthma Education Tips * Build a private patient counseling room or set aside a…
Private Health Insurance
Asthma care and medicines are expensive, and obtaining the right health insurance is an important first step in accessing the health care system. Recent changes in the law provide the opportunity for virtually every child in every state to qualify…
SPECIALTY CARE
Specialty care for asthma can be confusing because each type of provider may have a different focus. Pediatric allergists specialize in the reactions of the immune system to common environmental allergens, such as pollens, dust mites, or pet dander, that…