When I Have an Asthma Attack I Feel like a Fish with No Water." --Jesse, Age 5 : You Know How to React to Their Asthma Attacks. Here's How to Prevent Them : Even One Attack is One too Many


                   I  FEEL LIKE A  FISH
                                   WITH NO WATER."
                                            -JACOB, AGE 5
                                             DESCRIBING ASTHMA
You know how to react to their asthma attacks. Here's how to prevent them.
               EVEN ONE ATTACK IS ONE TOO MANY.

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IF YOU HAVE A CHILD WITH ASTHMA, YOU’RE NOT ALONE.
Asthma is a chronic disease which causes ongoing swelling of the airways. When certain satriggersI such as dust, smog,
pet dander or secondhand smoke enter the airways, they may become irritated and constricted. This makes it difficult to breathe.
If you have a child with asthma, you’re not alone. More than 1] million people in the U.S. have asthma and the number is growing,
especially among children. However, there’s good news. You can help manage your child’s asthma and help prevent their attacks
before they happen.
HOW TO MANAGE YOUR CHILD’S INDOOR ENVIRONMENT
Americans spend about 90% of their time indoors. So, managing your child’s indoor environment is an important step in reducing
exposure to the things that can trigger asthma attacks. Asthma triggers vary from person to person. You and your doctor should
determine a plan to reduce the triggers that most affect your child. Listed below are several common indoor environmental triggers
and some actions you can take to reduce your child’s exposure.

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I SECONDHAND SMOKE
Asthma can be triggered by the smoke from the burning end of a
cigarette, pipe, or cigar, or the smoke breathed out by a smoker.
WHAT YOU CAN DO: Choose not to smoke in your home or car,
and do not allow others to do so either.
PETS I
Your pet’s skin flakes, urine, and saliva can be asthma triggers.
WHAT YOU CAN DO: Consider keeping pets outdoors or even
finding a new home for your pets, if necessary. Keep pets out
of the bedroom and other sleeping areas at all times, and keep
the door closed. Keep pets away from fabric-covered furniture,
carpets and stuffed toys.
DUST MITES I
Oust mites are too small to be seen, but are found in every home.
They live in mattresses, pillows, carpets, fabric-covered furniture,
bedcovers, clothes, and stuffed toys.
WHAT YOU CAN DO: Wash sheets and blankets once a week in hot
water. Choose washable stuffed toys, wash them often in hot water,
and dry thoroughly. Keep stuffed toys off beds. Cover mattresses
and pillows in dust-proof (allergen-impermeable) zippered covers.
PESTS
Droppings or body parts of pests such as cockroaches or
rodents can be asthma triggers.
W T YOU CAf DO: Do not leave food or garbage out. Store
food in airtight containers. Clean all food crumbs or spilled liquids
right away. Try using poison baits, boric acid (for cockroaches),
or traps first before using pesticide sprays. If sprays are used,
limit the spray to the infested area. Carefully follow instructions
on the label. Make sure there is plenty of fresh air when you
spray, and keep the person with asthma out of the room.
MOLDS
Molds grow on damp materials. The key to mold control is
moisture control. If mold is a problem in your home, clean up
the mold and get rid of excess water or moisture. Lowering the
moisture also helps reduce other triggers, such as dust mites
and cockroaches.
WHAT YOU CAN DO: Wash mold off hard surfaces and dry
completely. Absorbent materials with mold, such as ceiling tiles
and carpet, may need to be replaced. Fix leaky plumbing or
other sources of water. Use exhaust fans or open windows in
kitchens and bathrooms when showering, cooking, or using the
dishwasher. Vent clothes dryers to the outside. Maintain low
indoor humidity, ideally between 30-50%.

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TO SPEAK WITH AN INFORMATION SPECIALIST ABOUT ASTHMA AND ENVIRONMENTAL TRIGGERS, PLEASE CALL 1-800-315-8056.
For more information, contact one of the organizations below:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency American Lung Association
Indoor Air Quality Information Clearinghouse (800) LUNG-USA
(800) 438-4318 www.Iungusa.org
www. epa. g ov/i a q/a sth ma
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 800 7ASTHMA
- . wwwaafa.org
www. a a a a i .0 rg
Allergy and Asthma Network/Mothers of Asthmatics, Inc. National Asthma Education and Prevention Program
(800) 878-4403 Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma, 1997
www.aanma.org (301)592-8573
This publication was developed under a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. &ER4
EVEN ONE ATTACK IS ONE TOO MANY 1-866-NO-ATTACKS WWW.NOATTACKS.ORG

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    KEYS TO PR EVEN' ING
   YOUR CHILD'S ATTACK

o Work with a doctor to develop a written Asthma
  Management Plan that's right for you and your child.

° Learn what triggers your child's asthma and
  eliminate or reduce your child's exposure to those
  allergens and irritants.

° Make sure your child takes medications as
  prescribed and tell your doctor if there are
  any problems.

° Keep a daily symptom diary and  use a peak flow
  meter every day to monitor your child's progress.
     o
     o
  WHAT  SAN ASTHMA
  MANAGEMENT PLAN?
Written details by your physician should include:
A list of your child's asthma triggers

Instructions for using asthma medication(s)
     0 Instructions for using a daily symptom diary and
      peak flow meter

     ° Details about how to stop an asthma attack or
      episode in progress

     0 Instructions for when to call the doctor
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