Tracking and Treating
Asthma in Young Children |
Tracking
and Treating Asthma in Young Children
By Thomas F. Plaut, M.D.
ABSTRACT:
The use of a signs-based diary can be a valuable
tool for monitoring asthma in young children who
cannot use peak flow meters. By keeping a record
of their child’s coughing, wheezing, retractions,
and respiratory rate, parents can learn whether
their child has persistent asthma, learn to identify
triggers, and learn to identify the early signs
of worsening asthma. Each asthma sign is scored
on the basis of frequency or severity. The total
score tells parents how severe the episode is
and guides treatment. The results are classified
into 1 of 4 color-coded asthma zones, each of
which has a specific action plan. In the High
Yellow Zone, the parent doubles the dosage of
an inhaled corticosteroid and gives an inhaled
beta2-agonist. Children in the Red Zone-the danger
zone-should receive an inhaled beta2-agonist and
prednisolone. If this does not get them out of
the danger zone within 10 minutes, and if they
do not stay out of that zone for 4 hours, they
should go to the emergency department or to their
doctor’s office if the office is equipped
for emergencies.
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Tracking and Treating Asthma in Young Children
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