Asthma Symptoms and Statistics

Asthma Statistics

• Asthma is a leading cause of school absences.
• It is not unusual for a child to miss more than 10 school days a year due to asthma.
• Approximately 17 million people in the United States suffer from asthma.
• About 5 million youngsters, under 18, have asthma. Of those, 1.3 million are under age 5.
• Asthma is the third leading cause of hospitalizations in children.

Common Triggers

Animal Dander Cigarette Smoke Smoke from Fire Cockroaches Dust Mites Dust from Sweeping Strong Odors Cleaning Srays Feathers Dust in Beds and Pillows

Molds or Mildew Weather or Temperature Change Dust from Chalk/Dry Erase Markers Fumes from Glue, Markers and Paint Exercise or Play Upper Respiratory Infection/Colds Crying, Laughing or Anxiety Pollen from Trees and Flowers Food or medicine allergies

Early Warning Signs Headache Dark Circles Under Eyes Nasal or Chest Congestion Sneezing Runny Nose Itchy Throat Shortness of Breath Chest Pain Increased Respirations Fatigue Irritable or Very Quiet Peak Flow Drops

Late Warning Signs Indicate Medical Emergency Wheezing Retractions Abdominal Pain Difficulty Breathing Difficulty Walking Disorientation Cyanosis (Blue Lips/Fingers) Blue or White Ring Around Mouth Cold Sweat Hunched Forward Agitated Breathlessness or Gasping Pulse Rate > 120/minute Peak Flow Meter in Red Zone

Control Medicines Advair Asmanex Flovent Pulmicort Serevent Singulair

Rescue Medicines Albuterol Maxair Proventil Ventolin Xopenex